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Ï Ruling Party: ‘Buhari plans to legalise gay marriage’ ‘‘They plan smear documentary on Jonathan, Patience, Diezani’

ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) went for each other’s throats on

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Ï Opposition Party: ‘Killer squad after our lives’ ‘Babangida Aliyu is an incurable liar’

ÏÏÏThe

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.64

APC, PDP in verbal war

Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

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Wednesday. The PDP faulted the APC’s threat to drag Dame Patience Jonathan to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged “hate Campaign”. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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L-R: APC Senators Babafemi Ojudu, Ganiyu Solomon, George Akume and Chris Ngige at a press conference on the confirmation of Obanikoro ... on Wednesday. Photo: Tope Balogun

Drama as Senate confirms Boko Haram Obanikoro, others for cabinet has no link Wednesday. Celestine Okarfor, Sunday with ISIS, This is even as the SenIsuwa, & Justice Eze, Abuja ate frowned at the opposi6 says FG tion law makers that were ÏÏÏAfter weeks of Obanikoro

delay, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, was finally confirmed by the Senate on

against the confirmation of Obanikoro, alleging they have cases to answer CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

EFCC arrests Saraki’s cousin

P.12

INSIDE Life& TIMES Thursday March 12, 2015

Ashionye Raccah ...And her many entertaining sides The big winners at the AMVCA L Kaffy, bereaved L P

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Politics Page Three

Editorial Celebrating Nigerian Women

n this season of politics when the din of campaigns and other shibboleths are drowning out other important national events, it was not unusual that the International Women’s Day, which came up on March 8th, was barely observed in the country. In line with the tradition, this year’s theme was “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity”. It envisions a world in which women can exercise their choices, whether that be participating in politics or living in a society free from violence and discrimination. Incidentally, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, a globally endorsed framework towards advancing gender equality, human rights and women’s empowerment. In Nigeria, the progress to integrate the womenfolk into all aspects of national life has never been so relentless. Credit must go to President Goodluck Jonathan and his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for appointing women into very top administrative positions. Even at that, mention must be made of the several efforts by political parties to provide the support and platform for women to actualise their ambitions. Before now, not many of the womenfolk stood the chance of becoming successful politicians due to the numerous cultural and other environmental obstacles placed in their path. Today, all those seem to be changing as most gubernatorial aspirants are discovering the political correctness in choosing them as running mates. While this is commendable, the

tendency is to see such tokenism as patronising. Nigerians want to see the day a woman will become President and female chief executives who got into such offices based on their individual merits occupy most government houses. While that is still a long way, it is pertinent to note that women are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, even as violence against them is worse than that of men. Though the country has made significant progress in achieving basic education for the girl-child and reducing mortality rates, more needs to be done. It is known that violence against women and girls is a major cause of HIV infection and one of the key drivers behind the increasing number of females living with HIV and AIDS. Young women are especially at risk, as a result of sexual violence, trafficking for sexual exploitation, child marriage and other harmful practices. Also, there is correlation between coercive sex and the risk of contracting the virus as a direct result of physical trauma, injuries and bleeding. The subordinate positions that many women and girls hold within their families, communities and societies restrict their access to information about sexual and reproductive health and their use of health-care services. Fear of violence makes many reluctant to be tested or treated, and inhibits their capacity to negotiate safer sexual practices. All these must give way if the Nigerian society is to benefit from the active participation of the womenfolk who constitute more than 50 percent of the population.

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Conspiracy against federal highways? Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏAsk, what can N11 bil-

lion do? Quite a lot of course, although not for a money-guzzling but critical sector like road. This is the situation of federal highways this year as the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolomemen, disclosed on Monday that only N11 billion was allocated for capital projects of the ministry in the 2015 budget. The minister made the disclosure while defending his ministry’s budget proposal before the Senate, explaining that with the situation, the ministry has decided to

focus on only 33 out of 210 projects it has. As if adding salt to injury, Onolomemen further disclosed that Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Office of Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGF) received zero allocation for the year. The minister also disclosed albeit to the dismay of Nigerians that provisions were not made for other Departments of the Ministry such as Road and Bridge Design Departments, Mechanical and Electrical Department as well as the Service Department in the budget. The disclosures have heightened fears among Nigerians who for some time now have been applauding the Federal Government’s efforts on the nation’s high-

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ways, with many describing N11 billion allocation as a conspiracy to cut short ongoing transformation being witnessed there across the country. The sharp drop in revenue from the oil sector, the mainstay of the economy, must be responsible for a massive cut in expenditure, no doubt. However, not a few believe that if nothing is done to increase the allocation, federal roads that are currently under rehabilitation, and those where work is expected to begin this year, may witness little or no action. In fact, there are fears that unless more funds are allocated to the sector, federal roads may return to the dark days when they were death traps. So, let those behind this conspiracy do a rethink!

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Chief Commercial Officer

Deputy Editors

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

Group Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Tunji Okegbola

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations Celestine Okafor

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Sports Editor

Andrew Ekejiuba

Head of Operations Innocent Nwankwo

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Olusegun Obasanjo

Bill Clinton

Barack Obama

There is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated.

I do not believe we can repair the basic fabric of society until people who are willing to work have work. Work organises life. It gives structure and discipline to life.

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Reps query NOSDRA over poor budgeting

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, receiving souvernirs from Solidarity Youth Movement for Change towards Buhari/ Osinbajo’s victory at the polls, during an interactive session held at June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta...on Wednesday

Henry Omunu & Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏHouse

of Representatives Committee on Environment, yesterday, queried the management of the National Oil Spill and Detection Agency (NOSDRA) for its poor budgeting standards. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, gave the damning verdict when officials of the agency appeared before the committee to defend its 2015 bud-

5 News

get proposals. While chiding the agency for presenting a budget proposal she described as being poorly prepared, the lawmaker recalled that agency had made the same allocation for a particular item and under the same sub-head in a threeyear budget cycle. The committee chairperson further said that based on what was presented as the agency’s 2015 budget, it was clear that the 2014 budget of the agency was not implemented to the letter. She also questioned the N4 million projected by the agency as its internally generated revenue for 2015, adding that the revenue projection showed that the management of the agency was not serious about revenue generation.

Jonathan inherited insecurity problem – FCT minister Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏMinister

of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, has said that the problem of insurgency confronting the country today was not the creation of President Goodluck Jonathan. Rather, the president administration is only trying to manage an inherited menace. The FCT minister said this on

NEMA solicits UN support for IDPs Mathew Dadiya and Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏDirector General of the Na-

tional Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mohammed Sani Sidi, has appealed to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to, as a matter of urgency, lend its support to Nigeria to enable it to provide necessary and efficient support to the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs. Sidi made the call at the NEMA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving an 18-man delegation of the UNOCHA led by, Mr John Ging, the Head of Humanitar-

Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting. Many PDP leaders from the six geo-political zones resident in the Federal Capital Territory were in attendance at the meeting. Sen. Mohammed maintained that President Jonathan, since coming into power, had had to contend with this problem he inherited, while working assidu-

ian Team visiting Nigeria and the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria Mr Douda Toure. The NEMA boss told the delegation that there was no doubt the fact that humanitarian assistance is of cardinal importance for victims of natural disasters and other forms of emergencies. He maintained that saying that assistance has to be provided in an organised and coordinated manner geared towards building communities and the capacities of the national institutions. According to him, “We are glad that you are here for a need assessment to support the country; we surely need the support”. According to Sidi, IDPs in north East of Nigeria are placed about 1,188,018. In his comment, the UNOCHA team leader, Mr. Ging, said that they were in the country purposely to show solidarity to Nigeria, understand the challenges facing the country and how the body could be of help.

ously to address it. While reminding the PDP leaders that terrorism was not limited to Nigeria, the minister assured them that the Jonathan administration has the capacity and political will to confront the menace. The minister, however, called for continued support of the people for the Federal government to achieve this objective. The FCT minister also said

that the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan has been able to put smiles on the faces of residents of the FCT. He cited the expansion and rehabilitation of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Airport Road) as well as the Murtala Muhammad (Kubwa Expressways as pointers to that fact. Sen. Mohammed also assured that the FCT administration plans to deploy a substantial part of its projected N300 billion to

N400billion internally generated revenue (IGR) earnings to fund the rural and neighbourhood infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges in the territory. Said he, “With the passage of the FCT Board of Internal Revenue Act by the National Assembly, the internally generated revenue profile of the FCT is expected to rise significantly with positive multiplier effects on the residents.”

Enugu indigenes petition Jonathan over Water scheme Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏSome

concerned citizens of Enugu State have raised the alarm over the decision of outgoing Sullivan Chime administration to concession the supply of water in the state to a private firm for a period of 25 years. In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, signed by Chief Igwenabo Eko and Chief Sunday Uzoigwe, yesterday, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Enugu, the concerned citizens alleged that the Commissioner for Public Utilities in the state, Mr. Michael Nwachukwu, has concluded the surrender of the functions and operations of the State Water Corporation to a private firm, AG Trust Limited based in Abuja.

The aggrieved citizens also alleged that based on the information and document available to them, the private firm would take over the collection of water rate in the state for 25 years, without any known track record of water business whether in or outside the country before. According to them, investigations showed that the firm was being promoted by highly placed government officials and their cronies, who plans to award themselves severance benefits, as the present administration in the state winds down. The Enugu citizens therefore appealed to President Jonathan to intervene and call the state government to order, saying that similar suspicious water board concessioning scheme was proposed in Lagos but was later abandoned

Jonathan

following public outcry. According the petition, “All men and women of goodwill should rise in unison to condemn this modern day slavery. “The concessioning of the Enugu State Water Corporation at this administration’s eleventh hour lends credence to the widely held opinion that the deal is only some severance package for some top shots in Government.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

APC, PDP in war of words Continued from page 1 The Directior, Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Femi Fani-Kayode, challenged General Muhammadu Buhari to answer queries over the massacre of Igbos in the North in the 1960’s and the July 1966 coup during which about 300 Igbo officers were killed --- including “a serving Head of State.” The APC Spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on his part accused the PDP of an extermination agenda, evidenced in the killing of nine APC members and supporters in Rivers State at the weekend.

The party also described the Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu as an incurable liar afflicted with diarrhoea of the mouth. Femi Fani-Kayode, who threw the challenge at a press conference in Abuja, equally alleged that Buhari would scrap the anti-gay and anti-same-sex marriage law should he emerge president. Fani-Kayode reminded the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) that no individual was ever taken to the ICC based on what he or she has said unless and until people act on those words and massacre others.

“It is only if that speech is followed by violence and mayhem or if it incites people to commit violence, which results in death, mass murder and crimes against humanity, that the person who indulged in such hate speech becomes an eligible candidate for the ICC,” he declared. Fani-Kayode described the first lady as “a woman of peace”. Rather, he said, “the truth is that if anybody is a candidate for the ICC, it is certainly not Dame Patience Jonathan, but rather General Muhammadu Buhari himself. “We say this because, firstly, he

needs to answer questions about his role in the July 29, 1966 coup and the mass murder of about 300 Igbo army officers, including a serving Head of State, that took place that night. “Secondly, there are questions to be answered about his role during the pogrom and massacre in northern Nigeria in 1966 in which no less than 100,000 innocent Igbo civilians, including women and children, were slaughtered in cold blood by mobs that were covertly armed and supported by a small handful of junior army officers. “Thirdly, Buhari’s role during the Asaba massacre, in which hundreds of Igbo civilians were murdered for no just cause, still needs to be clarified. “It is left to Buhari to clarify these matters and tell us his role in all these events but if these grave allegations are true, they make him a prime candidate for the ICC”, he said. Fani-Kayode stressed further that Buhari also had questions to answer on his alleged role in

the mass murder of hundreds of people in the northern part of this country, including a number of youth corps members who were killed during the 2011 presidential election. His words, “This happened after he lost the presidential elections and after he encouraged them to go on the streets to commit violence. That deviant behaviour alone makes him a veritable candidate for the ICC. “We are, indeed, grateful that a Dutch law firm has, indeed, filed papers to the ICC asking for General Buhari to be forcefully brought to the court to answer questions about those killings in northern Nigeria by his supporters in 2011.” While justifying his allegation that Buhari is planning to legalise same-sex marriage, Fani-Kayode recalled that General Buhari had, during his stay in the United Kingdom, appealed for support and endorsement of some four western countries for his presidential ambiContinued on page 12

APC protests as Senate confirms Obanikoro, others Continued from page 1

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, APC governorship for Rivers State acknowledging greetings from chiefs and elders of Egbema during his ward to ward rally… on Wednesday

Boko Haram has no link with ISIS –FG Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government on Wednesday allayed fears over possible link between the Boko Haram sect and the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) to which the insurgents pledged allegiance last weekend. The Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr Mike Omeri told journalists at the National Briefing Centre in Abuja that there was no evidence that the ISIS operates in Nigeria adding that the latest attempt by Boko Haram to identify with the group was an act of desperation aimed at seeking attention and possible assistance from outside due to the crushing defeat they

are suffering from the multinational military operation in the region. Omeri noted that Nigeria and her neighbours are currently pushing the insurgents away from their strongholds, capturing many of them and destroying several of their facilities. He assured Nigerians that the tempo would be sustained until every presence of Boko Haram insurgency is totally eradicated in Nigeria. “The only nation that will exist in Nigeria is a united Federal Republic of Nigeria which demands the cooperation, commitment and patriotism of all its citizens”, Omeri said. He added: “We continue to urge Nigerians to exercise extra

vigilance especially at this period when our security forces continue to fish out members of the group who might have been embedded in the society, and whose activities have given rise to the recent bombing incidents within Maiduguri and other locations in the North east zone”. Omeri said further: “The Centre has noted the latest audio recording posted online by the insurgent group, Boko Haram where they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). “In our previous alerts to the nation we warned of the possibility that fleeing members of the insurgent group would resort to attacking communities and other Continued on page 12

with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also. The Senate has existing rules that any Senator that has served at the chamber, if nominated Minister, won’t answer questions but the usual ‘take a bow and go. But Obanikoro’s confirmation did not come easy as the senators of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) fought in futility with no less than six of them raising different point of orders to thwart Obanikoro’s successful confirmation. The point of orders were led by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who raised Order 53(5) on the floor of the Upper Chamber. Ashafa, in the Order, pointed out that any matter that is still in the court should not be treated by the Red Chamber. But the Senate President, Senator David Mark, promptly ruled Ashafa out of order, saying that the point of order was not in order. Other APC senators took their turns to kick against the successful confirmation, but were unsuccessful. Having lost the bid to truncate

Obanikoro’s confirmation, the APC senators, led by the Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, staged a walkout from the floor of the Red Chamber. However, the Senate has alleged that some senators, who are questioning the qualification of Obanikoro, have cases to answer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Addressing National Assembly correspondents after the Plenary, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, however, confirmed that there were allegations against Obanikoro. But Abaribe quickly pointed out that allegations that are not court decisions are nothing, but mere allegations. He reminded the APC senators, who have cases with the EFCC that they are still in the Senate because of the privilege of being innocent until proven guilty. Addressing the staged walkout by the APC senators, Abaribe said: “All that the opposition senators have done is to register their protest, and we have duly noted Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Jega tasks officials on free, credible polls Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏAhead

of the forthcoming general election, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega and the thirty-seven Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and National Commissioners were on Wednesday engaged in a crucial meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, which was held at the Commission's headquarters, in Maitama, Abuja, was aimed at putting finishing touches to the arrangements for the March 28 and April 11 polls. While the meeting going on at the INEC's conference room, some youths, under the aegis of Middle Belt Concerned Youths, were busy staging a protest opposite the INEC's gate to register their opposition to the planned use of

Permanent Voter' Cards (PVCs) as well as the Card Readers for the polls. In his opening speech before the meeting went into a closed-door session, the INEC Chairman told those in attendance that the meeting was called to review preparations for the forthcoming polls. The meeting, he added, would also "examine the gaps in the final things that we need to do within the next two weeks to keep on add-

ing value to the elections". Jega concretely reassured Nigerian that INEC would do its possible best to meet their aspirations in terms of free, fair, credible and transparent elections. The meeting, he said, would review outstanding matters relating to the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, the relocation of polling units and the field testing or mock demonstration of Card Readers.

NAFRCOWA conducts free eye test for military personnel Kwasu Alhamdu

ÏÏÏAbout

Flame from burnt Finecoat office at Kaso Bus stop, on Abeokuta Expressway on… Wednesday PHOTO: Taofeek Babajide

CBN restates plan to produce economic citizens Celestine Okafor (Bureau Chief, Northern Operations) Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has stated that the CBN is committed to creating an enabling environment for producing economic citizens capable of positively contributing to the economic growth and development of the country. Emefiele stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, while declaring open a child and youth financial literacy summit to commemorate the 2015 Global Money Week. The summit was initiated by the Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI) to promote economic citizenship among children and the youth. The CBN governor said “Our

financial literacy initiatives which specifically targets children and youth is an integral part of this commitment which clearly demonstrated today as we join the global community in the commemoration of the 2015 global money week,” he said. Emefiele disclosed that Nigeria is steadfast in its commitment of reducing financial exclusion rates in Nigeria from 46.3 percent in 2011 to 20 percent by the end of year 2020. He added that as part of efforts aimed at achieving financial inclusion in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan launched finanacial inclusion strategy in 2012. He informed that a critical component of that strategy is promoting financial literacy and capability. “This was premised on the understanding that it is em-

powering Nigerians with the requisite financial knowledge and skills that they would have the confidence to participate in the formal financial system and effectively contribute to the stability of our financial system while improving their economic well being,” he said.

Emefiele

1, 000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces were on Wednesday given free eye test on Glaucoma infection by Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Officers Wives Association (NAFRCOWA) in Lagos. The exercise was part of this year’s World Glaucoma Week. President of NAFRCOWA and wife of the Commandant NAFRC, Dr. (Mrs.) Regina Morgan, facilitated the screening exercise. Mrs. Morgan is also a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja. Delivering a lecture before the screening exercise, Dr Morgan informed the beneficiaries of the need for every human being to have his or her eyes examined regularly, saying that Glaucoma knows not age or sex limit. The infection, when not addressed early could ultimately lead to blindness. According to her, “Whatever damage glaucoma caused cannot be replaced. That is why we try to address the issue early.” Declaring that the disease has no known cause, the Consultant Ophthalmologist maintained that black people are more prone to glaucoma, as well as people who are over 40 years old and above, shortsighted people. She also said the infection can also be inherited in a family. The NAFRCOWA president also told reporters that already the group are collaborating with members of the public to get more education on the infection.

7 News

PENGASSAN may down tools over sacked Chevron staff

Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏ

Three sacked workers of Chevron oil firm, have written a passionate letter to President Goodluck Jonathan to wade into their face-off with the multinational concern, which has lingered since February, 2011, and in which the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry Labour and Productivity had intervened without success. The sacked workers, namely Comrade Okirika Timmy Okeoghene, Dateme Prince Gilbert and Omadoye Godwin Bafor, advised that Chevron should be compelled to reinstate them, in order to avert a nationwide strike by their union – the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (PENGASSAN). The trio asserted that: “A situation where the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity had used the tax-payers’ money to conduct an ‘investigative public hearing’ on our case and unanimously passed a resolution ordering our reinstatement, but Chevron is treating the resolution with disdain, is an affront on the credibility and integrity of your administration.

Kwara gov distributes 50 taxis, 20 buses to transporters Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏ Kwara State Governor, Dr

Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Wednesday, distributed a total of 50 taxis and 20 buses to transporters in the state as part of his empowerment programme. Governor Ahmed, speaking on the occasion, said the scheme was under the revolving micro credit scheme and that it cost N75 million. “With this empowerment programme, we have provided further demonstration that we hold our people very dear. Whatever promises we make to the people, we fulfill to them. “This N75m empowerment scheme for transporters adds to the list of life transforming programs by this administration in nearly four years”, the governor said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Politics Senator Ita Enang Represents Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State.

ITA ENANG

Oil doom: Nigeria caught in web of international politics

s Senator Ita Enang represents Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, he is one of the strongest voices at the senate. In this interview with ENO-OBONG OKON, he speaks on national issues as it affects Akwa Ibom State now and in the future. Excerpts: The last time you were here you spoke about salaries of workers in Akwa Ibom State. It has now been paid? I want to congratulate Akwa

Ibom people; the workers and I urge them to bear a little more because it won’t continue to be like that. Only part of it has been paid, and part is still outstanding. What percentage has been paid? Is it greater than what is left? A great part is left. The schools have said; look, you have paid us some, you owe us some, so we will open the schools but we will not teach fully until you fully pay us. All these are going to count during the elections. Of course there is another thing that is outstanding;

the pension funds deducted from salaries have not been paid. What effect will this have on students? I think it is very dangerous to the educational situation in the country right now. Akwa Ibom students and pupils are going to take national examinations and it doesn’t matter whether your state was on strike or not. It is going to affect your students in the National Examination Council (NECO) or the West African Examination CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

How Zik was forced to call Balewa to form government -Daura Alhaji Sani Zango Daura is one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. In this interview with VICTOR JIBRIN, the elder statesman takes a look at Nigeria from the era of the nation’s heroes, regretting the current situationwhich he blamed on incorrigible leadership and self-centeredness. But he expressed optimism that the country can be good again, if Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is given the chance to the problems of Nigeria. Excerpts: On October 1, Nigeria will be 55 years as an independent nation, will you say this is the Nigeria of your dream? Well, not only of my dream but you could have said does this Nigeria reflect the dreams of the founding fathers? They had a dream for it and that dream is of greatness anchored on the

Daura

JEGA

INEC recorded 95% percent on card reader test-running

Kwasu Alhamdu

The spokesman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State, Mr. Femi Akinleye has said that the commission is fully prepared for the general election after the successful test-running of the card readers. The commission tested the card readers last weekend in 12

states across the country including Lagos to demonstrate its use and how it will be deployed to detect impersonators during the voting exercise by March 28. Speaking exclusively with Daily Times, Akinleye lauded the general success of the card reader testing saying it recorded 95% success reiterating that there is a backup if card readers fail for the

sincerity of purpose by the various leaders then trying to build and encourage a united Nigeria where we will become our brother’s keepers but from what is happening today, you know that we have gone astray. Mainly because the so called leaders today, are not for common men, they are for their own personal interests. Unfortunately, I don’t know why, is it because there is a high rate of illiteracy in the country or is it because the large percentage, the vast majority of the people are poor? When people are poor, you cannot lead them, when people are not enlightened, you can also, manipulate them, telling them half truths hoping that it will be accepted. So, quite frankly, to me, the leaders of this country after the founding fathers, most of them, I think, have failed and are considered a disappointment to the generality of the people of Nigeria because there is no accountability. If people think that stealing is a

general election. He disclosed that INEC registered 5.9million voters in Lagos with 3.7million already collecting their PVC while 400,000 PVCs are yet to be brought to the state adding that 1.8million cards are yet to be collected by the voters. He added that the extension of the deadline for the collection of the PVCs to March 22nd, would

legitimate thing to do, corruption is even of large scale and they see nothing wrong in it, then really, we are heading for the rocks. I have seen quite a number of prominent people who on account of simple embezzlement of taxpayers’ money either from what they called cattle tax or community tax, are not only dismissed out rightly but also imprisoned. But today, you see trillions being stolen. Even if they are exposed and cases are established, nobody cares not only to put a stop to it but to sacking those people who stole the money because this is not only criminal, it is accumulation of illegal wealth. What are they going to do with it, if somebody steals N1 trillion or even N1billion or 20 dollars or 30 trillion dollars as recently claimed by Soludo challenging the present Minister of Finance who said she will not join issues with him. All these are not in the character of our founding fathers. Our founding fathers CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

give all residents who were yet to come forward for their cards the opportunity to do so. Mr. Akinleye further said INEC is fully prepared for the general election as it has already distributed non-sensitive materials to its local government offices while the sensitive material are in the vaults of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) till Election Day for distribution.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Politics

Ita Enang: Akwa Ibom is like under receivership CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Council (WAEC). Any news as to when the salaries would be fully paid? They will not be able to say, but I am sure that the situation is not going to be a lot better because the level of earnings of the Federal Government into the Federation account and by extension what comes to each of the state is going to be lower now because of the budget benchmark, and rise in other variables. Based on what you have just said, I do know that as at January, the budget actually stood at 4.7 trillion naira and then it was N190 to $1, and also $65 per barrel for the oil bench mark. But as at last week, it has dropped drastically. How will this affect the economy? Before you pass the budget, you have to have what we call the medium term expenditure frame work. The expenditure frame work tells you the amount of money you are likely to have, the sources of money you are going to have, the estimated amount you are going to have from oil, how much you are going to have from the non-oil, how much you are going to have from taxes, and how much in total will be your money. This is when you decide if you will borrow and then you also have the debt profile which shows you how and where you get money to fund the budget. Mr. President submitted a medium term frame work at an exchange rate of N163 to $1, and he also submitted the oil benchmark at $65 per barrel of oil, and a quantum of production of 2.3 million barrels a day. Nigeria is a mono economy that is almost solely independent on oil. I raised the issue that Nigeria should not only be depending on oil at this time; that oil

should just be like reserve. That we should begin to think like Delta State: Delta without oil, we should start thinking of Nigeria without oil. I raised the issue that there is over concentration in oil whereas there are solid minerals under the ground of the entire northern Nigeria, even some part of southern Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom State. If you go to Nasarawa State, you have a quantum of all other minerals, go to Enugu State, they have coal, but we have abandoned coal, we have gold in Kebbi, Sokoto, and part of Jigawa and other things underground. In the west, in Ondo you have bitumen. Why is everybody thinking about oil? Now that oil has ceased to be important, we are going to do solid minerals. So we should have been expanding. I drew attention to the fact that oil is becoming unimportant in the world. There is a conspiracy by the west; the United States and a greater country of the west. Why would you say that? Because Nigeria is almost not selling even a single quality of oil, I think our trade record is almost at zero between Nigeria and the United States. We are now looking for other countries of the east and Asia for our market. United States is not buying because one, they are buying from other countries; they are relying on their oil and other quantum of productions. But the cost of producing is so high therefore the Arab oil producing cartels now reduce the prices of their oil so that whatever happens, the United States will produce less because the cost of producing in the United States is very high. So if they reduce the price here, people will be forced or interested in buying from the Arab countries, because the cost of production is low, and then the cost of the oil itself is low compared to the high cost of produc-

Akpabio

“There is over concentration in oil whereas there are solid minerals under the ground of the entire northern Nigeria, even some part of southern Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom State.”

Enang

Akpabio

“Another problem is that we have dollarized the Nigerian economy that you see in shops and other places, you see people trading with dollar, which is an offence.”

tion itself. So Nigeria is caught in the web of international oil politics. Therefore with the price coming down, we have to adjust the budget bench mark because oil sometimes go as low as $41 per barrel. So we decided to keep the benchmark at $52 per barrel. Another problem is that we have dollarized the Nigerian economy that you see in shops and other places, you see people trading with dollar, which is an offence. That is why I brought sometime in 2011-2012 a bill to criminalize the spending of the dollar in Nigeria unless you are a Bureau de Change. You said that this was a celebration budget as at when it actually came up. Why? I said I am celebrating the

Mr. President submitted a medium term frame work at an exchange rate of N163 to $1, and he also submitted the oil benchmark at $65 per barrel of oil, and a quantum of production of 2.3 million barrels a day.”

crash in the price of oil because its going to send all of us back to thinking. We had an economy that ran on coal. First it was concentration of groundnut, and we did not diversify. I also celebrated the crash in oil because it is going to make it possible for us to work because what makes life in Nigeria more difficult is that we draw raw crude, send it abroad to be refined for you, it is imported back for you, you pay export and import duties and then that is what increases the price of refined products like diesel, kerosene and petrol. I said that it is going to encourage us to work on the local refineries, which I have always called private refineries while others prefer to call it the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Jonathan

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

were committed to their people. Yes, of course, there was easternization, there was westernization, and then there was northernization but all these were done in order to give, not to discriminate, an opportunity to those respective regions so that they can come up, so that once they are sufficiently educated, they can compete in the labour market on equal basis. I think that is the main issue. Today, the federal character provision is there but nobody is doing anything about it. You will find out now that, look at the issue of appointment, if it is the northern Nigerian that is there and his time is up or he is due for second term, he will not be given. The same thing applies to even Yorubas, they will not be given, and instead, somebody from Bayelsa, south east or south-south should come. Such is the tragedy in which today, we found ourselves. We cannot continue under this type of injustice and inequality between the various components of the federation. The younger generations are worried, what can we do to return to what it used to be? It is simple. If the focus is the people, then you have to try to have leadership devoid of selfish interest. Go for those who really merit positions. Virtually in every state of this country, you have very highly educated people. Even with the federal character, you can recruit the best. If the best people are recruited for the job, most of these things will disappear. We know that as human beings, we have our own weaknesses, so nobody is perfect. We may make some mistakes but the mistakes should not be deliberate. But today, it is not so. When it comes to election, the parties are there. In searching for credible candidates, start from the grassroots, local government area, move to the states and then to the federal level just like what happened during the IBB’s transition programme when he introduced new and old breeds. In each local government, there are good people who have retired from service at either state

Azikiwe

Balewa

ZANGO DAURA

Our leaders are self-centred, unlike founding fathers or federal level but not tired, that can still be engaged as chairman and supervisory councilors to give a sort of guidance to those who are coming up because of their experience. You can then select very good promising young men as members so that they will be learning from the experience of these retired people in the process but today it is not so. The tendency for the teenagers or young men is to enjoy life, marry as many wives as they can, buy very good sport cars, good shoes

and clothing. That is their main focus and not the people who are supposed to be the ultimate. Now I can say with certainty that when we came on board in 1968, that is north central state under the military governor of Brigadier Abba Kyari, then a Lt. Col., we were just conscripted into the government even without asking anybody. When we came up spitting fire and brimstone, we created what we called then, administrative areas just to ensure development. We also introduced local govern-

ment reforms and a committee was appointed for the local government reforms. In a nutshell, that is the beginning of having the local government entrenched in our constitution as the third tier of government. The intention is to get government closer to the people at the grassroots level to know their aspirations and their demands so that with the money that is coming in, they will try to develop the areas along the line as urban centers are being developed.

But today, it is a common knowledge that the so called local governments administration, they only collect and share the money and nobody can challenge them. Even when you challenge them, nothing happens to them. That is the unfortunate part of it. There are so many people who are qualified and ready to serve the people but because he has no money, people will not vote for him. However, the case of Buhari is different. People will say Buhari is not giving monCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

FG spending money without appropriation - Enang CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

illegal refineries. What effect will it have on Akwa Ibom? We are not likely to have excess crude money coming into the state any longer. Two, last year’s budget was at the rate of $77 per barrel trade mark, and this year, we are budgeting at $52. So the amount of money is going to be less by about one third that is going to every state, every tier

of government. This is going to have effect on Akwa Ibom state. So as much our debt is going to affect, capital projects flow is going to be affected, and then, I think money is going to have value again. So if you don’t have money from taxing the companies, taxing the workers who work in those states, and then not much money is coming from the Federal Government, then you will have to hold your head with your

two hands and think on what and how to do to earn money to run the government. Let’s look at the excess crude account. You said the federal government and the National Assembly deleted the provision which was incorporated into the 2014 appropriation bill that money should not be spent except it is authorized by the Appropriation Act?

I definitely accused the minister of finance and the Director General of the budget office of the federation because they are responsible for this. It was deleted from the Appropriation Act, and I told them that it is not deleted from the constitution; that any money that gets into the federation account should be shared between the states. We have money that is called excess crude, the states meet to share

and the state government would take their own to the house of assembly, the Federal government will keep part of it; their own share. There will be spending, and so that is misapplication, misappropriation. The federal government cannot get that money and spend without telling the legislature what you are spending on, because you are spending money which is not appropriated.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Politics

OYO

Battle of second term amongst cousins Bolaji Omosanya, lbadan The political terrain in Oyo State has always been of great interest in Nigerian history and to political observers. Moreso, happenings in the state in the past, particularly in the First Republic created national ripples that led to the first military incursion in Nigeria. This was as an aftermath of the power-play orchestrated by the then ruling Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), using Late Samuel Ladoke Akintola against his mentor, the Late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The wild, wild West imbroglio which followed not only reverberated in the Western Region then but had national repercussions. Well, Awolowo never got a second term at the Premiership of the Region then, which office was located at Agodi Secretariat and still is after the creation of Oyo State by the General Murtala Mohammed/General Olusegun Obasanjo military administration in 1976 and no helmsman in the state since then has had a twoterm run in that office. This, however, is no news to followers of the state’s political records. However, one of the new things is that the battle line and the war for the number one seat in Oyo State is now drawn amongst three cousins, former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja of the Accord Party, former Senate Leader and PDP stalwart, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin and the incumbent Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). There are others such as former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and the

Ladoja

Folarin

Ajimobi

greenhorn, Engineer Seyi Makinde to mention a few. There have been many subterranean moves by political gladiators in the state before now to ensure that they carry the day in the 2015 gubernatorial contest. For the incumbent Governor who lost in 2007 to Akala in controversial circumstances even through the elections petitions tribunal as the candidate of the then ANPP, immediately he assumed office as Governor on the platform of the ACN now APC, he consulted widely and extended arm of fellowship to his elderly cousin, in the person of Ladoja

who allowed some of his accolytes to serve the administration until they fell out. Perhaps, it could be said that politics is not considerate of filial ties and is determined by personal interest and the push by one’s supporters to better able to accrue to themselves political gains. A pointer to this can be deciphered from an interview Ladoja had with a national paper late 2013 in which he said that his bid to return as governor of the state was not out of desperation but as a result of popular demands from ‘my people.’ He said then that he was the one

“Political expediency and PDP’s current attempt to gain back lost ground have succeeded in pitting them against each other.”

who recommended Ajimobi to his supporters in 2007 and 2011 and that’ they have come to realise that l could serve them better.’ Ladoja also had the extra grouse about demolition of some road-side structures by the Ajimobi government, without compensation and ready alternative. Another cousin, Senator Folarin was also rumoured to have supported Ajimobi in 2011, due to the influence of Senator Lekan Balogun when Akala felt too big for the political shoes he inherited after the transition of the strongman of Oyo State politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. Balogun and Folarin were then and still members of PDP. Political expediency and PDP’s current attempt to gain back lost ground have succeeded in pitting them against each other. Akala on the other hand had in the past worked against his former boss, Senator Ladoja during impeachment saga of which the former was beneficiary for eleven months before the Supreme Court’s determination otherwise, though it later led to Ladoja leaving PDP for the Accord Party. The real issue of the moment are two; whether Ajimobi will be the first governor to have an un-interrupted eight years in the state or Ladoja and Akala now with the Labour Party from PDP when Folarin became party’s flagbearer; and which of the two are given the opportunity after some years out of office or Folarin or Makinde who are first-timers in the race. But the battle remains that of the three cousins: Ajimobi, Ladoja and Folarin.

‘Injustice in the land is becoming unbearable’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ey but people are all out for him because they have seen a quality in him and that is what makes them to be interested in him – the quality of honesty, the quality of law and order, and the quality of no nonsense leader whereby anybody who breaks the law must be sanctioned. There is that commitment in him to the people. Today, that is what we are looking for. So, for a return to the past, all you need to do is to get the right people into the right places. Another thing today, unlike before, is that the governor, the president assumes the party leadership. But during the time of Shehu Shagari, though he has

all the powers as vested in him by the constitution, he did not abuse those powers. To him, the party is supreme, likewise the governors. In those days, no governor was appointing or nominating candidates for appointment of minister. Instead, the issue is tabled before the state executive committee of the party. It is the executive of the party that will sit down and look around and nominate three names and then forward the three names to Mr. President who will send it to the senate for screening and confirmation. Our boss, President Obasanjo, is the architect of making Mr. President as the leader of party so that he will be the person to dictate. By extension, it goes to the states

level where the governor too assume leadership of the party, putting aside chairman of the party. It is a question of what the leader wants. This was not the case during Shagari. As we move forward, if a leader wants real democracy, he should adopt what Shagari did. In his time, whenever the party caucus met, it is the party chairman who presides over the meeting, not Shagari, Mr. President. What do you intend to do, now that we are at a cross road, to avert the looming possibility? I believe, in spite of all the manipulations, Nigeria will still remain united. You can see it from Buhari’s candidature that

in 2007 and 2011, it was recorded as a northern affair. Even within the north, a number of governors were not with him but today, almost all the whole people of the country are united behind him because the country is sick and the only person that can heal it is Buhari. That is why the north and south, except pocket of oppositions in some areas, are genuinely united behind him. That shows the commitment of Nigeria to remain one united country. I want to give you an example. In 1964, there was a constitutional crisis when we had a similar arrangement as of today. We had two political parties – APGA and NNA. NNA was composed of Northern People’s Congress

(NPC) and Niger Delta Congress (NDC) which was part of the south west then while APGA was composed of, for the first time, NCNC, UMBC and BYM. BYM, NEPU and UMBC are from the north. The APGA, before the general election of 1964, returned 18 unopposed candidates. The following day, NNA returned 68 unopposed candidates. From there, APGA felt humiliated and defeated even before the general elections. So, they vowed not to enter into that election and they boycotted that election but because there was a strong leadership then and the people were for the country, the election, all the same, went ahead.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

EFCC arrests Saraki’s cousin for alleged graft Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏA

cousin to former governor of Kwara State, Sen. Bukola Saraki, was yesterday arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Ope Saraki, it was gathered was arrested over alleged mismanagement and diversion of public fund for private use. He is currently the Senior Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State. Also, incumbent Commissioner for Information in the state,

Prince Tunji Moronfoye, was arrested for the same reason by the operatives of the anti-graft agency. The duo will on March 19, 2015 be arraigned by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Ilorin for offences bordering on abuse of office, awarding contracts to their cronies, embezzlement, diversion of public funds, and money laundering. The Daily Times gathered that Moronfoye allegedly used his position as the Senior Special Adviser to the former governor Saraki to enrich himself through the award of contracts to the tune of over N200 million for the renovation of Ijagbo Primary Health

Centre. He was also to answer for his involvement in the supply of medical equipment to Health centres and specialist Hospitals within the state to a company in which he has interest. Reports further said that Moronfoye was the sole signatory to the account of the company to which the contracts were awarded. On his part, the younger Saraki was said to have allegedly abused his office and laundered state funds for his personal benefits by awarding inflated contracts to companies owned by his cronies. In one of the transactions involving the purchase of Ambu-

lance buses for hospitals in the state, Ope Saraki allegedly procured 13 Toyota Hiace buses from a local car dealer. The buses were said to have been converted to ambulances locally in place of factory-built ambulances for which a contract of N171, 990,000.00 was awarded to Chemiroy Nigeria Limited. In his reaction, the state Attorney-General and Commission-

Drama in Senate as Obanikoro is confirmed Continued from page 6 their protest”. Meanwhile, Obanikoro, who was confirmed as a minister for the second time on Wednesday, has thanked the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and other principal officers of the Senate for confirming his nomination, noting also that he hold no grouse against the APC Senators who were vehemently opposed to his return. Shortly after he was asked to take a bow, a privilege due all serv-

South West Coordinator, Buhari/Osibajo Presidential Campaign, Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his Deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye- Tomori (3rdleft) and others during Campaign at Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State… on Wednesday.

APC, PDP exchange bitter words Continued from page 6 tion. According to him, “The leaders of those countries made an offer to General Muhammadu Buhari and we are reliably informed that he has put the offer under consideration.” The offer, according to Fani-Kayode, was that he (Buhari) should support legislation in Nigeria to allow same sex marriage as well as repeal the anti-gay laws in Nigeria in exchange for their endorsement, support and funding. “Instead of outrightly rejecting these offers and spurning this proposition, to our utter shock and consternation, General Buhari apparently refused to rule it out and has put the matter under consideration. Instead of him to say NO he assured them that he would consider these two things.

“We believe that this is a matter that ought to be brought to the attention of the Nigerian people as a matter of urgency. “The APC are so desperate to ensure that General Buhari becomes the President of this country that they are actually prepared to consider the scrapping of all anti-gay or anti-homosexual legislations and at the same time, endorsing and supporting fresh legislation that would allow same sex marriage in our country,”Fani-Kayode said. Fani-Kayode stressed further that the special operations and intelligence wing of the Media Directorate of the PDPPCO has been reliably informed that the opposition was planning to air a documentary about the private lives of President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Minister of Petroleum Resources. In his words, “The documen-

tary is riddled with falsehood and it is vulgar, smutty, cheap, shameful and salacious. “This initiative is being spearheaded by the entire leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is being funded and organised by two serving governors and one former governor who controls his state through his handpicked stooge”, he pointed out. But the APC has also raised the alarm at the killing of its members and supporters in Rivers State, wondering whether those who are bent on suppressing the opposition at all costs have finally unleashed their killer snipers. In a statement in Lagos on Wednesday by Lai Mohammed, the party said the killing of nine APC members in two separate incidents in Rivers on Saturday night raised serious concern about the motive of the killings.

er for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, said he had not been notified by any anti-graft agency as the state prosecuting counsel. Also reacting, a Senior Special Assistant to the state governor of Media and Strategy, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said the state government would wait for the two accused persons to be arraigned to know their specific charges before making a response.

ing or former senators, Obanikoro said that he has no ill feelings towards the senators, adding that their position has amplified the strength of the nation’s democracy. Obanikoro said: “I have no ill feelings towards the Senators from Lagos who stood against me. Their position has amplified the strength of our democracy. “I am particularly grateful to the President of the Senate and other principal officers representing the Senate majority and minority”.

‘Boko Haram has no link with ISIS’ Continued from page 6 soft targets on their way. “The Centre, therefore, strongly reminds all Nigerians to exercise more scrutiny of persons and movements, especially within their areas of business and worship. Particularly, motor park and market managers all over the country must step up the level of security within their business premises, while religious authorities need to put in place more effective security cordon around places of worship to ensure the safety of the adherents. The Centre noted that as the protocols guiding the various regional co-operations and alliances continue to materialise, Nigerian military forces, with the assistance of those of her neighbours, have continued to record more successes in the recovery and liberation of various locations in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states which, hitherto, had been under the control of Boko Haram. He disclosed that the territories which had been retaken since Friday, March 6, 2015 include Marte, Mafa and Damasak (Borno State) as well as Buni Yadi (Headquar-

ters of Gujba LGA) and Buni Gari (Yobe State). This brings the number of recovered towns to 36. Omeri further ascertained that, field reports indicated the determination of the Nigerian troops to clear the entire zone of the presence of Boko Haram and its menace in a short while. While commending the efforts of Chad, Niger and Cameroun who have put in place measures to cut-off the supply lines of the terrorists he added “it is hoped that the unfolding regional cooperation will hasten the total defeat and extermination of Boko Haram in Nigeria and the subregion”. He revealed that “latest reports from Borno State indicate that about 8 people were arrested today around Custom Area in Maiduguri, Borno State by men of the Civilian JTF following the interrogation of two teenage suspected bombers who confessed that they were given the bomb by one Hassan Mai Doya of Custom Area to plant somewhere in Maiduguri metropolis. The suspects are now being interrogated by the security agents”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

International 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

US woman kills grandchild with power saw ÏÏÏA

Chicago woman has been charged in the death of her 7-month-old granddaughter, who was struck in the head multiple times before having her throat cut with a power saw, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. Police have said the baby girl, Rose Herrera, was killed on Monday, apparently because she would not stop crying. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said on Tuesday that the baby's 52-year-old grandmother, Manuela Rodriguez, was charged with first-degree murder in Rose's death. An autopsy concluded that the baby was already dead when her throat was cut. It concluded that not only was the girl struck in the head with an object, but that she also likely suffocated on a sock that was "placed in her mouth", according to a county medical examiner's log that includes the infant's death. Rodriguez, who police say attempted to take her own life after the attack, was taken to a hospital for treatment for injuries that

were not considered life threatening. The State's Attorney's Office said Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. It did not immediately know whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on the charge. Residents of the quiet street in the predominantly Hispanic Little Village neighbourhood where Rose was killed said Rodriguez had some health problems but was always pleasant. State child welfare officials said they had no record of ever being called to the brick home. Neighbours said the woman and her family were always polite and did not cause trouble. "She would help everybody and if you needed a glass of milk or something she would give it to you," said Maria Gentil, who has known Rodriguez for several years and said she was a doting grandmother. "When my mother died, she went up and down the street asking for money for her funeral."

Tony Abbott has been criticised for suggesting that people living in indigenous communities are making a "lifestyle choice". Visiting Western Australia, Mr Abbott said the government could not "endlessly subsidise" those that chose not to fit in with the wider society. He has previously said he supports the planned closure of up to 150 remote communities in Western Australia.

Abbott

Critics have called the remarks "offensive" and "inappropriate". It was announced in September that the federal government would transfer responsibility for funding Indigenous Australian communities to individual states. Speaking to ABC Radio on a visit to Kalgoorlie on Tuesday, Mr Abbott said that Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett was right to close nearly half the state's 274 remote communities if the cost of providing services to them outweighed the benefits. "What we can't do is endlessly subsidise lifestyle choices if those lifestyle choices are not conducive to the kind of full participation in Australian society that everyone should have," Mr Abbott said. "Fine, by all means live in a remote location, but there's a limit to what you can expect the state to do for you if you want to live there." The chair of the government's Indigenous Advisory Council, Warren Mundine, told the BBC that Mr Abbott's comments had

ÏÏÏ Islamic militants attacked

an army checkpoint in northern Sinai near the border with Gaza early on Wednesday, killing an officer, officials said. The attack came as Egypt's Islamic State affiliate, which is based in the restive peninsula, claimed responsibility for two attacks the previous day. In Wednesday's attack, militants opened fire on the checkpoint in el-Baraham near the border town of Rafah, triggering a shootout that killed 26-year-old Captain Ayman Hassan, said medical and security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media. Meanwhile, the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt — previously known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis — claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks that killed two and wounded dozens in restive Sinai. In one of the attacks, a suicide bomber drove a stolen water tanker packed with explosives up to the police compound in the city of el-Arish. His refusal to slow down at the gate prompted police to fire at the vehicle, setting off the explosives inside.

Rodriguez

Australian PM slammed for remarks on indigenous communities

ÏÏÏAustralian Prime Minister,

Militants attack Egyptian checkpoint near Gaza

angered indigenous communities and diverted attention away from a serious discussion about reforms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander areas. "I'm a bit nervous about the word 'close'; when you say that to Aboriginal people in Australia, the hair stands up on the back of their necks because it has an historical premise, because we were forced off our land in 1930s and 1940s," he said. "People are living in these communities not because of lifestyle choices but because of very strong cultural and religious reasons. People have got to understand that for indigenous people in Australia, their country is the essence of their being." A woman attends a march to protest for aboriginal rights. Photo: November 2014 Indigenous Australians represent about 2.5% of Australia's 24 million people Mick Gooda, the social justice commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities, said it was "a poor choice of words".

Somali, AU troops repel al-Shabaab attack

ÏÏÏSomali and African Union

troops, on Wednesday, repelled an attack by al-Shabaab militants against the southern town of Wanla Weyn, police and residents said. Wanla Weyn, which links several key towns in southern and central Somalia, was retaken from alShabaab by government and AU troops three years ago. "[Al-Shabaab] entered the town from different directions, with a large number of fighters armed with guns, rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, looting civilian shops and business premises," police representative Abdiwali Farah said. Al-Shabaab spokesperson Abdiaziz Abu Musca told pro-insurgent radio Andalus the attack had been "tactical". He did not say whether the insurgents had tried to capture the town. The fighting in Wanla Weyn comes after the capture of the transit hub Masjid Ali Gadud by Somali and AU troops on Tuesday.

Ex-Italian PM back in politics after acquittal

ÏÏÏFormer Prime Minister Sil-

vio Berlusconi has welcomed his acquittal by Italy's highest court and plans to make a political comeback. The Court of Cassation rejected appeals to overturn his acquittal on charges of underage sex with a prostitute and abusing his office to cover it up. Berlusconi, 78, hailed the ruling as a beautiful day for politics, justice and the rule of law. "I am back in the field with Forza Italia," he said. The three-time Italian prime minister remains embroiled in several legal battles and is barred from running for election under the Severino law, which bars from office anyone sentenced to more than two years in jail. A master of political comebacks, Silvio Berlusconi believes he is ready to pull off yet another return to the Italian political scene. For the past few months, he was quietly serving his community service sentence weekly and under court surveillance - but now that is over.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

15 Opinion

Islamic zealots and lessons of history

D Franklin Otorofani

uring the Cold War between the East and the West following the end of WWII, there existed, for good or ill, a semblance of a relatively stable world order. That stable world order, imposed by sheer force of arms by the USSR and USA required that the global Peace Corps dutifully patrolled their neighborhoods round the clock to maintain peace and order. And any budding insurrection, real or imagined, was swiftly and harshly brought down. Such big power posture was hardly as surprise for students of international politics that, as they are keenly aware of, is an extension of domestic politics. The ensuing intense ideological rivalry coupled with acute competition between the two main global power blocs, meant that the big powers constantly kept an eagle eye on troubled spots in their own backyards nipping in the bud any internal challenges or suspected potentials thereof. Those suspected of harbouring opposing views were taken out of circulation. For example, communist sympathisers were hunted down in the United States and silenced permanently. And even worse fate befell bourgeoise capi-

talist sympathisers in the Soviet Union, who were, in fact, eliminated summarily without trace. Besides, no other world view of any kind or description, was permitted to take hold in their respective domains. The world was in virtual state of imprisonment locked up as it was in global ideological compartments and the keys thrown away. With the collapse of that world order, however, all hell broke loose, heralding the so-called pro-democracy movements, secessionists and separatists alike. So long as these were happening in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Republics, the West was grinning from ear to ear with mischievous smiles. All of these happenings were not lost on Islamic radicals in the Muslim world who were sensing the end of their persecution and liberation from within. Seeing, therefore, that the world was fast unravelling it presented them with an historical opportunity.Islamic malcontents such as the Muslim Brotherhoods in Egypt, which had been brutally suppressed by leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Hosni Mubarak and other despots, broke out like pent-up wall of water in a broken dam, giving birth to the scourge of what has since been transformed

into militant Islam. The Jihadists suddenly found a new lease of life to pursue their caliphate ambitions seemingly with no one to stop them as the world looks on helplessly and hopelessly with sterile platitudes. Unfortunately, this Islamist break out is taking place at a time of seeming power vacuum in the West led by the United States. To put it somewhat charitably, the United States is AWOL under its current president preferring, as some have characterised it, to “lead from behind,” when it suits his own designs or agenda. The consequence is the rise and rise of Islamic Jihads, all because there is no strong man to police the world anymore since President George Bush Jnr. quit the stage accused of war mongering. How could a strong national leader suffer such a cruel fate? Is there nothing to be said in favour of strong leadership, as was the case in the Reagan era? But it is regrettable and outrageous that the very leader who took on Islamic terrorism head on after his country was brutally attacked was to be demonised by his own people, thus creating a huge power vacuum now being filled by the violent Islamists. President Obama rode to power on the back of anti-Bush horse

and most regrettably became his unworthy successor in the war on terror. His so-called war against ISIS is a huge joke unworthy of even a mention. And after resisting calls to obtain formal war authorisation from Congress to deal with ISIS, and squandering the better part of a whole year, he’s now asking them to give him powers to fight ISIS! What has he been doing all this time with the world on fire? Playing golf, vacationing and rolling out executive orders for Mexican illegal immigrants at a time European leaders, such as David Cameroon, for example, are tightening up their borders and immigration laws to prevent Islamists from infiltrating their countries to cause mayhem? How could he be suited for the times when he is, at heart, an essentially municipal leader who prefers to be distributing food stamps and serving breakfasts to kids in elementary schools. And how could he when he is more interested in same-sex marriage at home than global leadership? How could he be suited for the times then when he’s busy distributing abortion pills for sexually active single mothers and young girls, and importing illegal aliens from Mexico who represent the base of the Democratic Party?

2015: The change Nigerians need “We promise that you will no more be ashamed to say that you are a Nigerian.” Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu

Bayo Arowolaju

have been an unrepentant advocate and commentator on the need for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) where all the stakeholders in Nigeria, will sit and decide the best way to live together in true peace, progress and prosperity as the only way of correcting the mistakes of 1914. Since October 1, 1960, till now has been 55 years. Within this period, Nigeria and Nigerians have under gone too many changes under too many pseudo Messiahs, which unfortunately have had little to show in changing the lives of the common man. The greatest misfortune has been that 45 out of these 55 years of independence were variously messed up by one type of military or semi military dictatorship. Another tragedy of this same period is the growth in our commonwealth because of the geometric progression from our earnings from crude oil but which unfortunately brought about growth without developments. The only known effect of the increase wealth from the black gold is the growth of the kleptomaniacs.

Our commonwealth only made billionaires of few people who would have otherwise been humble fishermen and women; plank sellers and laborers in cocoa and groundnut farms. It has produced governors who are 100 times richer than the state they governed, and without corresponding developments in the economic, social and political lives of Nigerians. The first noticeable change was that of January 15, 1966 when, came the voice of Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, one of the five young Majors that struck early that morning; announcing the change of the first post independent government through a military coup. The coup, the first in Nigeria failed but the broadcast by Nzeogwu in Kaduna provided some inkling into what was going on in the minds of the young military officers. Their aim was “to establish a strong united and prosperous nation, free from corruption and internal strife.” After 50 years of many changes through coups, counter-coups, military rules and a painful wasteful but needless and avoidable civil war; after the coming and fading away of many messiahs; the prima-

ry needs of Nigerians as encapsulated in the aim of the January 15 revolution remain evergreen today. And most unfortunately and indeed agonisingly, a strong united and prosperous nation, free from corruption and internal strife remains a mirage. The greatest negative change that the military coup of January 1966 brought was the overthrown of not only the Federal Government of Nigeria but also and most painfully the regional governments. Under the Republican Constitution of 1963, each region had a Republican status. I remember vividly that the Western Region had its own Coat of Arms, Constitution, bicameral legislature with powers to make law and order for good government. Any law passed in Lagos must have a concurrent approval in Ibadan before it was judicially enforceable. This was the finest moment of Nigeria and the Western Region, when the people of the region enjoyed the first in virtually everything from - TV in Africa, football stadium, industrial and housing estates, free education and free health. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a

Christian established the first Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board in the region. Unlike now when Abuja can and often appoint those not known to states as Ministers, each region appointed Ministers to represent its interests in the Federal Cabinet. The Eastern and Northern regions also followed suit but each at its own pace using the available human and natural resources. If each region of Nigeria made such giant developmental strides in the face of very limited resources because of its semi-autonomous republican status, it could only be imagined where the country and her peoples would have been today if we had stayed and gradually perfected our republican union from then. But all our leaders since then, most of them self-serving military adventurists completely forgot the sweats and labours of our heroes past. They completely learned nothing from the aches and pains of the three-year civil war, the genesis of which was from internal strife related to the command and control unitary system of government foisted on Nigeria by the military rulers.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Business Times

NAICOM gets financial inclusion Council Augustine Aminu, Abuja The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on Tuesday had its Takaful Advisory Council (TAC) inaugurated by the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Bashir Yuguda, to ensure a financially inclusive insurance sector. The council will provide Sharia compliant insurance policies that will complement Nigerian banks practicing Islamic financing. Yuguda said that for an economy to thrive, there must be a viable insurance sector, adding that the policy was not only about pulling of risk but also strengthening of government and the entire economic structure. He said the policy was in line with President Goodluck Jona-

than’s transformation agenda. ``What the government is trying to do is to develop policies and programmes that will not only impact on the insurance sector but will help the economy of the country. `` We believe this is a new chapter for the industry; it will help generate more income for the sector and we believe it will also deepen the industry.’’ The minister urged the inaugurated council to collaborate with the government and deliver on their task. He called on Nigerians to give the team all the necessary support, adding that the government would also avail the council maximum support.

Capital Market Report Adesola Akindele After weeks of positive trading, NSE ASI declines by 1.55 per cent. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share Index (ASI), depreciated by 486.11 points or 1.55 per cent increase to close at 30,869.17 points from its previous 31,355.28 points recorded on Tuesday after several weeks of positive trading. A total of 518,883,361 shares worth 3.8 billion naira in 5,469 deals were traded bringing Market capitalisation down to N10.3 trillion. Wednesday market activity was characterised by high volume trading’s from UB-

CAP Plc with 64,336,302 shares which amounted to N110, 381,265.13. This was followed by INTENEGINS which traded 51,843,882 shares worth N25, 923,321.00. TRANSCORP also traded 49,372,309 shares worth N147, 951,092.91. UBA and GUARANTY sold 46,380,256 and 42,504,243 shares which amounted to N198, 092,883.56 and N1, 078,293,163.28 respectively. Forty-Nine (49) companies participated in Wednesday’s equity trading activities of which nineteen (19) were recorded as equity gainers while thirty (30) companies were recorded on the loser’s table. Top three Equity gainers

NIOMR commences catfish canning Charles Okonji In efforts geared towards achieving the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) has unveiled its most recent innovation in catfish canning, a concept that represents a paradigm shift in fish production. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the formation of innovation platform for stakeholders in the catfish farming and canning, organised by the institute in collaboration with Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in Lagos, Dr. Gbola Akande, Director General/CEO, NIOMR, stated that the innovation was to effectively engage all stakeholders in developing the aquaculture industry to create jobs; create wealth through value addition, as well as increase fish production in the country. According to him, utilisation of low value small and medium sized Cat fish will increase the production of catfish in Nigeria. He said: “Canning of this medium size catfish as value addition

is currently ongoing as a means of increasing their utilisation for, human consumption, investment opportunities, and product diversification, quality standardisation in the local and foreign markets, and foreign exchange earnings through export of the canned catfish.” Akande noted that the catfish canning project was funded with 100, 000 dollar grant from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), commending the organisation for its support on the project. He noted that the objective of the innovation platform for the different aquaculture value chains was to facilitate dialogue between the main local players in the value chain, like the farmers, input suppliers, traders, transporters, processors, wholesalers, retailers, the regulators as well as research and development. “Innovation platform identified bottlenecks and opportunities in production, marketing and the policy environment. The process is galvanised through discussions on market requirements which include quantity, quality, and the timing of sales, followed

Akande

are: ASHAKACEM with a gain of 89k to close at N18.79 followed by ETI which gained 47k to close at N18.3 while CCNN gained 3k to close at N11.8 other equity gainers are MOBIL and CUSTODYINS which gained 2k and 18k to close at N150.2 and N3.98 respectively. FO led Wednesday’s losers in a loss of N10.14 to close at N192.86, NB followed with a loss of N7.04 to close at N140.06 and CONOIL lost N1.5 to close at N34. Coming 4th and 5th on the equity loser’s chart is STANBIC and GUARANTY which lost N1.35 and N1.27 to close at N26.65 and N24.23 respectively.

by an analysis of existing production strategies. “The innovation platform identifies and implements technologies to improve production to attain market demand. In a parallel and similar process, the marketing system is analysed and improved to benefit all role players within the local context,” Akande added. In her presentation, Dr. (Mrs.) Mabel Yarhere, Head of Section of Extension Research and Liaison Services, NIOMR, noted that catfish canning is commodity, stressing that there must be cohesion to unite stakeholders for mutual interests. She maintained that the platform must have potentials to meet the interest of stakeholders on board, adding that all stakeholders must have definite contributions to make and benefits to derive from the platform. Yarhere stated that farmers, employees, materials- resources in the farm, policy makers, government and financial institutions, as well as the input (fingerlings) suppliers, brood stocks, feeds, water quality equipment and many others are to be managed. “An idea must be replicable at an economic cost and must satisfy a specific need. Innovation involves a deliberate application of information, values from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

19 Brands & Marketing

Instagram – The next big app for business growth Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

Nothing matters more to a business establishment than growth and expansion and in these days of technology, it is expected of entrepreneurs to make use of smart applications or apps as they are commonly called to work smarter and grow faster. Among the many trending apps for creating visibility in the market-place is the Instagram which helps users to promote their products and services in unique and personalised formats. However, what came to be known as Instagram today began in 2010 in San Francisco, United States, when Kevin Systrom and Brazilian Mike Krieger chose to focus their multi-featured HTML5 check-in projects, Burbn, on mobile photography. The name “Instagram” was formed from the combination of “instant camera” and “telegram.” In January 2011, Instagram added hashtags to help users discover both photographs and each other. Instagram encourages users to make tags both specific and relevant, rather than tagging generic words like “photo,” to

make photographs stand out and to attract like-minded Instagram users. Aside from the fun side of Instagram which allows users to upload short videos and photos before their massive followers to get updates of their everyday lives and activities, the App is gradually gaining ground as a means of promoting businesses on social media. According to Wikipedia, Instagram is an online mobile photosharing, video-sharing and social service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and share them on a variety of social networking platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr. The maximum duration for Instagram videos is 15 seconds compared to Vine’s 6 seconds. The service rapidly gained popularity, with over 100 million active users as of April 2012 and over 300 million as of December 2014. Instagram is distributed through the Apple App Store, Google Play and Windows Phone Store. Support for the app is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Andrioid handsets, while third-party Instagram apps are available for Blackberry 10 and

Nokia Symbian Devices. The service was acquired by Facebook in April 2012 for approximately US$1 billion in cash and stock. As a result of the acquisition by Facebook, popularity of the App, in 2013, grew by 23 per cent, while Facebook, as the parent company, only grew by 3 per cent. Owners of small scale businesses, including the multinational ones, are now taking solace in the comfort offered by the App as a green ground to grow their businesses and to further stay in touch with their customers. Let’s not forget, over 90 percent of the 150 million people on Instagram are under the age of 35 which is why it is such an attractive platform to so many brands. Here are few vital statistics to help you make the choice of tapping into the many benefits of Instagram for your businesses: engagement and double the engaged user base of Facebook. interact daily vs 23 per cent of Pinterest users. on Instagram (Pew Research).

OYSAA warns against unlawful ad placement Godwin Anyebe The Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) has warned against the placement of unapproved political campaign materials that are errantly being posted in different sites, including lamp poles, around the city of Ibadan, thereby constituting fragrant breaches of the extant laws and regulation of the agency. In a statement signed by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), Mr. Yinka Adepoju, he said: “We wish to inform the general public and stress that OYSAA, the statutory Agency of Oyo State Government has mandate to regulate Outdoor Advertisement of any nature including political campaign materials and will not tolerate any violation of its guidelines and procedures.”

“To this end, all political campaign organisations/committees are strongly advised to duly apply and obtain approval of OYSAA before posting the campaign materials for their parties in any location, including lamp poles. The warning has become necessary in order not to exacerbate the already tense political climate in the country at this electioneering time and to maintain the pervading peace being enjoyed in Oyo State in particular,” he added. Furthermore, Adepoju said: “For the avoidance of doubt, OYSAA will not permit the abuse of its guidelines for any advertisement campaign, especially political campaigns because of their sensitivity. Those that have posted advertising materials and put up billboards indiscriminating without approval from the body are hereby

directed to remove them within immediate effect, as failure to do this shall attract the recommended penalty stated in the act.”

Beside these statistics, Instagram has older users with higher incomes than an average Snapchat user. Below are some key Instagram tips for small business: First, uploaded pics shouldn’t just be on your products or services alone. You have to tell a

Chi Exotic Nectar promises better taste in new campaign Godwin Anyebe

Adepoju

In order to consolidate on its brand message and connect with its target audience, Chi Limited has come up with another media campaign, tagged “Taste of Paradise.” Speaking on the “Taste of Paradise” campaign, in a statement made available in Lagos, the Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, said “the objective of the TVC was to assure consumers that whether they are in the comfort of their homes or going about their daily activities, Chi Exotic Nectar will always be at hand with a promise of great taste to appeal to their senses with sheer pleasure”. According to him, the televi-

story behind your brand that allows people to make the human connection. E.g, what is your team environment like? What do you do every day? What does your brand stand for? Secondly, let people get to know the faces of those who are behind the scenes in your business.

Deepanjan

sion commercial which is currently running on all leading television channels has already received wide acclaim for its succinct depiction of the brand with premium and persuasive imagery. The messaging is apt as an experience of the drink resonates with the feeling of uniquely savory taste typical of natural fruits. “There is no gainsaying that the TVC which opened with a lady who paused to take a drink of Chi Exotic Nectar while working on her laptop no doubt communicated the nature of the refreshing drink. As she savoured the drink, she closed her eyes in sheer pleasure and was briefly transported to a beach on a fantasy island,” he explained.

Insurance 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Insurance regulators and fight against unethical practices

Daniel, Commissioner for Insurance

Kayode Adelowokan Despite the success of the ‘No premium, No cover’ initiative of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the insurance industry is still confronted with age-long unprofessional practices which has now brought division among operators in their opinions on the continued existence of such practices. Among others, rate cutting and overriding commission are some of the unethical practices which many ‘desperate’ insurance agents and brokers engage in so as to get businesses. Overriding commission in insurance is a commission paid by an insurer to an agent or managing general agent for premium volume produced by other agents in a given geographic territory. In reinsurance, it is a commission paid to an intermediary in return for placing a retrocession of reinsurance. While rate-cutting is a decision by underwriters to reduce its main interest rate, usually to influence rates charged by other companies. These practices are basically responsible for the inability of many companies to pay claims as at when due. While some industry operators posited that rate-cutting is still high in the industry, especially among insurance brokers, to the extent that perpetrators now corner businesses belonging to ethical brokers, industry leaders, especially the regulatory body argued that given their strict supervisory role, the problem of rate-cutting and overriding commission no longer exists in the

Shoderu, NCRIB president

industry, instead they say operators now complain of over regulations. A former president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr. Wole Adetimehin, said that the issue of rate-cutting in the industry is debatable. In his judgment, Adetimehin, believed that rate-cutting can make a firm to continue to record underwriting losses when it is not generating enough premium and needs to pay claims. In charging rates, he cited that if in a particular year, there were huge losses, which could destabilise the insurance pool, what the insurers should ideally do was to raise the rates the following season. Claims experience, he added, would help to ascertain if a particular class of insurance was good or not, and if the rate should be reviewed upward or downward. Also, Mr. Kehinde Borisade, Chief Business Analyst, North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Canada, said rate-cutting was not prevalent in North America because it was a mature and evolving market that operated within an organised structure where regulation and code of ethics were taken very seriously. According to him, flouting the law can lead to severe sanctions. “An insurer has to seek rate change approval from regulatory authorities and adequate notice and reasons for rate changes must be given to the brokers and affected clients before changes are effected,” he said. Borisade pointed out that Nigerian Insurance Association (NIA) in conjunction with all stakehold-

ers could play a leading role in overhauling the rating system and structure of premium rating by creating a rating bureau. The bureau, he added, would collect loss information, which could then be analysed to ensure premiums were adequate to cover losses, expenses, allow for profit and also maintain insurers’ solvency. “NAICOM, NIA, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, CIIN and other stakeholders, as part of their code of ethics, can also establish whistleblowing policies to expose errant companies,” Borisade said. Meanwhile, Mr. Fola Daniel, Commissioner for Insurance, said that the problem of overriding commission had abated in the industry. Daniel, who spoke at a 2-day retreat organised by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), noted that instead of overriding commission, what the industry complain about now is over regulation and too much inspection. He mentioned that last year, the commission inspected some companies’ books over six times including the big players in the industry. The commissioner said the regulator was so thorough in its inspection that once it sees any big business transacted in the accounts book of any firm, it would screen to see if there is any big amount paid out by the same company at the period. He explained that once it discovers such payment, it must probe beneath the surface to trace the recipient of such amount and the insurance firm in question will be interrogated on what the

Adetimehin, CIIN former President

amount was paid for. “At Annual General Meetings, you hear them complaining that NAICOM is slamming penalties on them. I remember that in one of the forums we had with the chief executives, we apologised to them saying sorry, we have been slamming you with penalties that are not deterring you from misbehaving and they said sorry, we have repented, we will not do it again, but they are still doing it”, the commissioner stated. Expressing the determination of the commission to severely punish the industry offenders who engage in unprofessional misconduct this year, Daniel said since NAICOM started, it had not fined any company up to N10 million but last year, the commission fined a company N62 million. The NAICOM boss insisted that as people are becoming hardened in breaking the law, the commission is also re-strategising on how to effectively deal with them. He said in doing this, the commission does not wish to kill the industry but is trying to restore sanity in the system. Also, speaking on behalf of brokers in the country, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), lamented that the trend is “killing” to the brokerage profession and that it must be condemned in its entirety. Shoderu mentioned that it is the intention of the Council to always promote high ethical standards, adding that it is the only way the present generation of professionals could bequeath a sound and solid profession to the coming generation. He said: “I am distressed to

again address one of the unpleasant trends that have continually affected our operations as insurance brokers, and this is the pervasive incidence of rate cutting. You will recall that at the inception of my tenure, my team visited the Commissioner for Insurance who warned brokers that indulged in collecting Overriding Commission from insurance companies to desist from the act, warning that the Commission will not hesitate to sanction such unethical players. “This and sundry issues we were to discuss more intensively with the Nigerian Insurers Association. It was our belief the forum should be a good platform to initiate steps towards upward review of the existing brokerage commission. “Unfortunately, the meeting is yet to hold from the NIA end. It is more regrettable that the Council has continued to receive an avalanche of complaints about some ethical brokers losing businesses to those who continually cut rates or quote uneconomic rates. “This trend is “killing” to the brokerage profession and must be condemned in its entirety. It is the intention of the Council to continually promote high ethical standards, seeing it as the only way the present generation of professionals could bequeath a sound and solid profession to the coming generation. “Anything short of this is unacceptable. Also, I must stress that it will be most difficult for me or the Governing Board henceforth defend any member that violates the law or directive on insurance broking operation. To be fore warned is to be fore armed!”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

21 Global business

Greece meet lenders over reforms procedure

Andreeva

Greek representatives started talks with official international creditors in Brussels on Wednesday, taking the first step toward an agreement on the reforms Greece must implement to unblock further aid as Athens runs out of money. It is the first such meeting between Greece and its official creditors since the new, leftled government in Greece took power at the end of January on a pledge to end the fiscal discipline that was the condition for almost 240 billion euros in loans that Athens has received since 2010. European Union (EU) officials cautioned, however, that the meeting on Wednesday, which began at 9 a.m. EDT, would not produce any spectacular results and reform implementation would not even be discussed at

this stage. “They will discuss working methods,” one European official said. “They have to agree on how to get on with it and that’s why this will not be a particularly long meeting -- they should wrap it up by tonight or tomorrow.” Discussions on a concrete set of reforms that Athens would need to undertake to get the 7.2 billion euros from various creditors outstanding under the bailout would only start in the next meetings, officials said. “These talks need to take forward the specification of the list of reform proposals envisaged by the Greek authorities in order to be able to reach an agreement at the latest by the end of April,” Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said. Time is short because Greece could run out of cash by the end of the March, which could mean a default on payments that are due in the following months, unless it gets more loans from the euro zone. While talks on what reforms will have to be done will take place in Brussels, technical teams of the Greek government and the creditors will work in parallel in Athens, because that’s where all the necessary data was, officials said.

UBS recruits Bank of Montreal oil banking team - sources UBS AG has poached a U.S. team of some 15 oil and gas investment bankers from Bank of Montreal (BMO), significantly weakening the energy deal-making capacity at Canada’s fourthlargest bank, people familiar with the matter said. The moves come amid plummeting oil prices that have prompted banks to try to lure talented energy bankers with deep technical expertise. Such bankers can help them win new investment banking business from companies that want to shed assets. The investment banking business in the oil and gas sector has shifted as lower oil prices weigh on the companies’ growth prospects. The business is no longer focused on initial public offerings, and now primarily involves advising companies on deals to raise cash as their earnings dwindle. Those leaving BMO are part

of a specialist group dubbed Acquisitions & Divestitures (A&D), the people said this week. This group carries out the complex engineering and technical research needed to value oil and gas deposits far beneath the earth’s surface. The leader of that BMO team, Miles Redfield, is based in Houston, Texas, where he will remain as he also takes on a senior role at UBS, the people added. UBS declined to comment. Redfield could not be reached for comment. The people asked not to be named as the discussions were not public. In an emailed statement, BMO confirmed that there have been departures from the A&D group but did not provide any details. BMO is a powerhouse in the global mining arena, but it advised on just a handful of oil and gas transactions in the U.S. market in 2013 and 2014, according to Thomson Reuters data.

European Central Bank

Euro slide worsens on record negative bond yields The Euro continued its free fall on Wednesday, dropping 1 per cent to below $1.06 for the first time in 12 years as the European Central Bank’s 1.1 trillion bond-buying programme hammered the region’s bond yields to record negative levels. The single currency has declined 12 per cent since January and is about 5.6 per cent away from reaching parity against the greenback, Reuters’ data showed. “For many investors, parity is the next big psychological level, but it might take some time,” said Charles St. Arnaud, currency strategist at Nomura Securities International in New York. The euro was broadly lower against other major currencies. It struck a seven-year low against sterling at 70.145 pence and an 18-month low of 128.29 yen. The ECB on Monday began

buying sovereign bonds to try to boost growth and inflation in the eurozone, sending yields on the debt of nearly all its countries to record lows and driving investors away from the euro. German two-year Schatz yields fell to a record low of minus 0.241 per cent, while French two-year yields hit a low of minus 0.149 percent. “You have very weak yields in the eurozone,” St. Arnaud said. “People are selling euro fixed income assets to diversify away from the euro.” On pace for its worst quarter on record, the euro slid to $1.0560 on Wednesday in European trading. It bounced above $1.06 during its U.S. session, but was last down 0.9 percent on the day. About a third of the euro’s fall this year has come since Friday, when a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report fueled speculation that the U.S. Federal Re-

serve could raise interest rates as soon as mid-2015. The U.S. central bank has scheduled a two-day policy meeting next week, when analysts expect it to drop “patient” from its policy statement to signal it is preparing to raise rates. Expectations that the Fed will end its near-zero rate policy amid a tightening labor market propelled the greenback to a 7-1/2-year high against the yen on Tuesday of 122.04. It was last up 0.1 per cent at 121.24 yen. The dollar climbed 0.9 per cent to a 12-year high of 99.507 against a basket of major currencies .DXY. It was last up 0.7 in early U.S. trading. The greenback rose 1 per cent to trade above 7.00 Danish crowns for the first time since 2003. It also gained 1 per cent at 8.1611 Norwegian crowns, its highest since mid-2002.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12 , 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

Cartoons from our Archives

1915 Battle of Neuve Chapelle ends On this day in 1915, British forces ended their three-day assault on the German trenches near the village of Neuve Chapelle in northern France, the first offensive launched by the British in the spring of 1915. The Battle of Neuve Chapelle began on March 10, 1915, at 8:05 a.m., when British forces attempted to break through the German trenches at Neuve Chapelle and capture the village of Aubers, less than a mile to the east. In the opening assault, 342 guns barraged the trenches for 35 minutes, partially directed by 85 reconnaissance aircraft flying overhead. The total number of shells fired during this barrage exceeded the number fired in the whole of the Boer War (a conflict fought in South Africa between British forces and South African revolutionaries in 1899-1902)—a frightening testament to how much the

1942 On this day in 1942, the Quartermaster Corps (QMC) of the United States Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, or “K-9 Corps.” Well over a million dogs served on both sides during World War I, carrying messages along the complex network of trenches and providing some measure of psychological comfort to the soldiers. The most famous dog to emerge from the war was Rin Tin Tin, an abandoned puppy of German war dogs found in France in 1918 and taken to the United States, where he made his film debut in the 1922 silent film The Man from Hell’s River. As the first bona fide animal movie star, Rin Tin Tin made the littleknown German shepherd breed famous across the country. In the United States, the practice of training dogs for military purposes was largely abandoned after World War I. When the country entered

nature of war had changed in less than 15 years. Following the opening barrage, British and Indian infantry forces immediately moved in to attack the German trench line along a 4,000-yardlong front. Though the troops in the centre moved swiftly and successfully forward, taking the front line within 10 minutes and capturing the village of Neuve Chapelle itself before 9 a.m., the artillery had been less effective on the left, and nearly 1,000 advancing soldiers, not knowing the enemy trenches had been left undamaged, had been immediately mowed down by German guns. Lead units on the right were told to halt and await further instructions, as they faced being isolated if they moved forward. Meanwhile, the Allied command, receiving news of the early gains in the centre, ordered a general advance.

U.S. Army launches K-9 Corps World War II in December 1941, the American Kennel Association and a group called Dogs for Defence began a movement to mobilize dog owners to donate healthy and capable animals to the Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army. Training began in March 1942, and that fall the QMC was given the task of training dogs for the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard as well. The K-9 Corps initially accepted over 30 breeds of dogs, but the list was soon narrowed to seven: German Shepherds, Belgian sheep dogs, Doberman Pinschers, collies, Siberian Huskies, Malumutes and Eskimo dogs. Members of the K-9 Corps were trained for a total of 8 to 12 weeks. After basic obedience training, they were sent through one of four specialized programs to prepare them for work as sentry dogs, scout or patrol dogs, messenger dogs or mine-detection dogs.

Daily Times March 12, 1961

1944

On this day, Britain announced that all travel between Ireland and the United Kingdom is suspended, the result of the Irish government’s refusal to expel Axis-power diplomats within its borders. In 1922, an independent Irish republic was established after generations of conflict between Ireland and Britain. One of the conditions of that agreement was that Britain would retain control of three naval bases along the Irish coast in order to continue Ireland’s defence. But as war loomed in the late 1930s, Irish Prime Minister Eamon de Valera negotiated an agreement that ended the British occupation of those naval bases; Ireland had declared a pre-emptive state of neutrality in any European war, and the presence of the Royal Navy on independent Irish soil violated that neutrality. De Valera did not want Ireland to become an object of attacks aimed at Britain. De Valera was willing to

London suspends travel between Ireland and Britain bargain away Irish neutrality, though, in exchange for Northern Ireland’s being returned to the Irish Republic. The British were not willing to pay that price but did agree to end conscription in Northern Ireland once De Valera denounced conscription-because it forced Irish men to fight in what De Valera believed was an English war--as an “act of aggression.” Irish neutrality was challenged in 1941, with German air raids against Dublin. It was challenged again in 1942, when the United States landed troops in Northern Ireland, under the understanding that it was under the control of its ally, Britain. De Valera protested. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was stunned at this intransigence and applied pressure to the de Valera government, attempting to change Ireland’s neutrality stance. De Valera did not relent. Finally, when the Irish prime minister refused to expel from Ireland the diplomats of the Axis powers, Britain retaliated

by suspending all travel between the Irish Republic and the United Kingdom. Ireland did not flinch and, when the war ended, developed good relations with all the powers involved. Stalin continued to move up the party ladder, from commissar for nationalities to secretary general of the Central Committee—a role that would provide the center of his dictatorial takeover and control of the party and the new USSR. In fact, upon Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin began the consolidation of his power base, conducting show trials to purge enemies and rivals, even having Leon Trotsky assassinated during his exile in Mexico. Stalin also abandoned Lenin’s New Economic Policy, which would have meant some decentralization of industry. Stalin demanded—and got—absolute state control of the economy, as well as greater swaths of Soviet life, until his totalitarian grip on the new Russian empire was absolute.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

I ‘m not a religious fanatic – Buhari

Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏPresidential candidate of All

Progressive Congress (APC) and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated that neither him nor his running mate is a religious fanatic.

As such, Gen. Buhari said that the insinuation that he planned to Islamise the country was unfounded. Gen. Buhari was speaking at an inter-faith engagement in Kaduna, Wednesday, where he clarified some misgivings about his presidential ambition, saying it

was the handiwork of his detractors. In the words of gen. Buhari, “There are talks today about the fear of Islamisation or Christianisation of the Nigerian state by my running mate and I. This is absolutely impossible. The Nigerian constitution is clearly

against elevating any religion to a state religion.” The Katsina-born retired army general then declared that he was not a religious fanatic as some people would want people to believe. He continued, “I solemnly declare that in spite of what our detractors say, I am not a reli-

INEC may disenfranchise voters in C’River Emma Obi Calabar

ÏÏÏSeveral

Members of the Middle Belt Concerned Youth protesting against the use of card reader in the forthcoming 2015 general election in front of INEC office, in Abuja… on Wednesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Five injured as Yoruba, Hausa youths clash in Osogbo Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

A bloody clash between some Yoruba and Hausa youths in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday left five people injured and valuables destroyed. The clash, which also led to the shut-down of schools and businesses, occurred in the Sabo area of Osogbo. According to a resident of the area, identified as Seye, the Hausa youths were said to be smoking Indian Hemp, when a torch was beamed on them. This, he told our correspondent, angered the youths, who started to attack houses of some Yorubas in the area. Seye said the incident started

NLC holds rescheduled election today

around 1am on Wednesday. “I guess the Hausa youths felt unsafe with the torch focused on their nefarious activities and they started destroying property,.” the resident said. He, added that it took the intervention of security agencies to bring normalcy back to the area, as the hoodlums fled when the police arrived the scene around 2am. A trader in the Sabo area, Mr. Olawale Jimoh, who lamented that his shop was attacked, said: “I had no grudges with anybody before I closed for the day on Tuesday. But I was surprised when I was called by neighbours this morning (Wednesday) that my shop had been destroyed by Hausa youths in the area,” he

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏDelegates

of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will, on Thursday, go to the polls to elect executive members to pilot the affairs of the congress for the next four years. The tenure of the incumbent

Aregbesola

told Daily Times. However, when contacted on telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, said there was “no crisis anywhere in the state.”

president, Abdulwaheed Omar, expires this month. The congress failed to elect a new leadership on Thursday, February 12, as the electoral process to usher in the new executive members turned violent. The democratic process, which would have produced the new president and other execu-

residents of Cross River State, armed with Temporary Voters Cards (TVCs) may, after all, not vote in the 2015 general election, commencing on March 28. The reason is that their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) are not available in the state INEC office, neither are their names on the INEC register. A number of people so affected have continued to troop into the

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Chief Justice of Nigeria

23 News

gious fanatic of any sort and I have never been. “In all my life, I have never supported extremism of any kind and nowhere in my record of service to our nation can this false toga, which political traducers have tried so hard to put on me, be substantiated”.

state NUJ Press Centre, Calabar, to protest, expressing worries over why they should be so disenfranchised. An undergraduate, Rose Adie, who was at the Press Centre in company of two of her friends, all armed with TVCs and with similar complaints, said they sacrificed days to get registered, and expressed worry why their PVCs were not available and their names not on the INEC register. Adie, who identified herself as a student of the University of Calabar, said they came to the media to cry out over what they regard as an attempt to disenfranchise some of them. In a telephone interview with Daily Times, the Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Sysvester Okey Ezeani, said those so affected might have to wait till after the 2015 general election.

CJN urges JUSUN to end strike

(CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has appealed to judiciary workers, in some states still on strike to reconsider their action. Mohammed gave the advice on Tuesday, while swearing-in the newly appointed Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ibrahim Abba, in Abuja. The strike, embarked upon by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), has paralysed state courts since January,. The workers are protesting the non-implementation of a court judgment that granted financial autonomy to the judiciary. The CJN said: “The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria are reminded that however meritorious their cause may be the average Nigerian,

who is the most important stakeholder in the justice sector, is the loser.” Justice Mohammed urged members of the union to explore others means of championing their cause, with consideration for all court users and the public, so as to quickly bring the strike to an end. He reminded judges at the occasion that most of the courts in many states were still under lock and key, with serious implications for justice delivery in the country. Similarly, he reminded state governors to be mindful of the fact that the judiciary is an integral part of the state government.

tive members, was marred by irregularities, which were alleged to have been orchestrated by the leadership of the NLC to favour the President of the Medical and Health Workers Union and the outgoing National Treasurer of the congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba. The disagreement resulted in

the hijacking of ballot boxs and other election materials, thus throwing the venue of conference into confusion. Injustice was perceived to have been done to Comrade Joe Ajaero, a strong contender in the election. The election on Thursday is expected to end the crisis.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

More FCT districts to access water soon

Rain wreaks havoc in Ondo …Hundreds rendered homeless Tosin Ajuwon

Akure The joy associated with the first rains of the year, after months of harsh and dry weather, turned sour for the locals in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, as heavy rainstorm wreaked havoc in the community. No fewer than 200 buildings were destroyed as a result of the rain, while hundreds of residents have been rendered homeless, with

ÏÏÏ

properties worth millions of naira destroyed. Daily Times correspondent, who later visited the community, reported that the rainstorm, in its gale of destruction, swept through Iju and Itaogbolu communities of the local government. Many of the buildings were seen without roofs, while victims of the storm were busy moving out their personal belongings from ravaged buildings.

Private and public school buildings in the communities were not spared in the damage, while a health centre, located in Iju, was badly affected by the rain. Several residents told Daily Times that the incident was a calamity of major proportion and lamented that the natural disaster occurred during a period when most residents in the communities were experiencing one form of hardship or anothers.

They appealed to the government for urgent help. “We appeal to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to quickly come to our aid, as the rainstorm has rendered us homeless,” one of them said. Mr. Isaac Oke, a vice principal at the Elu-Iju Grammar School, whose school was badly damaged, also called on the state government to urgently come to the aids of the communities, while describing the incident as ‘unfortunate’.

Danjuma in closed-door meeting with Jonathan

…says ‘I won’t campaign for any candidate’ Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏFormer

Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, on Wednesday in Abuja, said that he would not campaign for any of the presidential candidates in the coming general election.

General Danjuma, who fielded questions from State House correspondents, after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, said he would not canvass votes for anybody, since he was not a cardcarrying member of any of

the political parties in the country. On whether he would canvass support for President Jonathan’s re-election bid, he said: “I don’t canvass. I am not in any of the political parties. The president is the president of the country.” He also declined to dis-

close the issues he discussed with the president in the closed-door meeting, saying that it was confidential. “I came to visit the president and to find out how things are going. I have been abroad. I just came back,” he said when pressed for further information.

L-R: Director General, Progressive Friends Foundation (PFF), Dr. Pat Ifeanyi Oramah; National Woman Leader, Mrs Rhoda Yisa Doko; National Chairman, PFF, Aseminaso Nyingierefaka and National Secretary, Haruna Madu Gadzama during a Strategic Stakeholders Retreat in Abuja… on Wednesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Bala Mohammed

Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏMore residents of

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, would soon begin to enjoy adequate water supply, as the FCT Water Board has resolved to boost its services, through increased and uninterrupted supply to the areas yet to access water. Rising from the first meeting of the year and also the 10th since inauguration of members of the board last week in Abuja, Chairman of the board, Alhaji Alhassan Sule Gwagwa, disclosed that the

resolution was based on the increasing need of water by the residents of the FCT. He said that aside from conforming to President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, the service expansion would also translate to improved revenue generation. On achieving this objective, therefore, Alhaji Gwagwa confirmed that the board of directors had concluded arrangements to make a presentation to the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, on the need for a speedy completion of water tanks 1 and 6 and the associated facilities, in order to ensure that the adequate volume of water currently being produced is also equitably distributed.

Phone row: Morocco recalls envoy from Nigeria ÏÏÏDiplomatic

relationship between Nigeria and Morocco nosedived on Wednesday with the North African country announcing immediate recall of its ambassador to Nigeria. The envoy’s recall is not unconnected with the disagreement between both countries over an allegation that Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, turned down President Goodluck Jonathan’s offer of having a phone conversation with him. Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had alleged that the monarch snubbed Jonathan because he deemed the request inappropriate on the grounds of Nigeria’s forthcoming election. “The request by Nigerian

authorities for a phone conversation between HM King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President was deemed inappropriate on grounds that it is linked to the important elections in Nigeria and also because of Nigeria’s positions regarding the sacred national, Arab and Islamic causes,” the ministry said in a statement. But the Federal Government on Monday denied the allegation, saying both leaders held a conversation recently. “Since the King was in France, and not in Morocco, both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual interest and concern that have nothing to do with the conduct of re-scheduled elections in Nigeria.

UNHCR trains 35 persons on IDPs protection skills Daniel Jolly Bauchi

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 35 persons are currently undergoing advanced training on practical protection skills and legal framework governing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Director (Protection) United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Nigeria (UNHCR) Mr. Herve Kuate, stated this while delivering his opening speech at a three-day training workshop organised by the agency, in Bauchi. According to him, the

participants are also being trained on UNHCR mandate and its role in IDPs protection in North East Nigeria. “The training targets staff from the National Emergency Management Agency in Gombe and its state affiliate, the State

Emergency Agencies areas hosting IDPs. Other participants will also be drawn from among local government areas staff concerned with protection-related issues such as health, social affairs, education, women affairs, as well as community leaders

and traditional rulers from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, which comprise the six states in the zone,” he added. He further explained that the training is the second in a series of six, organised by UNHCR for

the North East region. The previous training, focusing essentially on Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) targeted NEMA, SEMAs, local NGOs, the Red Cross and other actors involved in CCCM, was held in Bauchi in December 2014.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

PDP chieftains chide Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu over Jonathan re-election bid

Tom Garba

Daniel Jolly

Ă?Ă?Ă?The visit of

Bauchi

Ă?Ă?Ă?A group of concerned

elders and chieftains of the ruling Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Party (PDP), in Bauchi State, has accused the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ad-

amu Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu, of not doing enough to ensure that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. They were reacting to a press statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Oliseh Metuh, over controversy surrounding the commit-

ment of Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu to Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-election. They alleged that Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu has secret plans, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Metuh should stop defending the indefensible.â&#x20AC;?. A PDP chieftain in the state, Alhaji Bibi Dogo, advised Jonathan, on behalf

of the elders and chieftains, not to rely on Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu to deliver the mandatory 25 percent votes in Bauchi to Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azu in the forthcoming election, as the national chairman had allegedly not done anything to empower stakeholders in the state.

APC, Fayemi lack moral right to oppose Jegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s removal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fayose Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ekiti

State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, do not have the moral rights to oppose any move to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, he noted that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Asking Jega to go on his mandatory terminal leave is not the same as sacking him; more so that his tenure would lapse in June and he is entitled to three months terminal leave.â&#x20AC;? Fayose said the APC must tell Nigerians what had changed in Jegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handling of elections, since the party was led by General Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Bola Tinubu and others on a street protest, in Abuja, on November 28, 2013, to call for the sack of the INEC Chairman and the entire management of the electoral commission after the Anambra State Governorship election. The governor said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerians must ask Buhari, Tinubu and other APC leaders, who led street protest against Jega, carrying placards with inscriptions such as; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;INEC not fit to conduct 2015 election,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;2015, no hope with Jega,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; what has changed about Jegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credibility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Has the same Jega that they said cannot conduct the 2015 elections ceased from being a bad person? â&#x20AC;&#x153;APC lost the Anambra election and took to the streets, in Abuja, calling for Jegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head. Is the INEC boss

now doing their bidding, because the APC will only stand against any individual or organisation that refused to be corrupted? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No doubt, the hullaballoo of the APC and its agents concerning Jegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position is suspect.â&#x20AC;? On Fayemiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position, Fayose said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is laughable that the same Fayemi who,

as Ekiti State Governor, sacked the Vice-Chancellor and two Deputy Vice-Chancellors of the State University, as well as Chairmen and members of statutory commissions, is the one sermonising about legality or otherwise of asking Jega to proceed on terminal leave.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fayemi, as governor, sacked democratically-

elected local council chairmen and councilors. He sacked the Ekiti State University Vice Chancellor, Prof Dipo Kolawole, via radio announcement, and dissolved statutory boards and commissions. Even when courts ruled that his actions were illegal and unconstitutional, he refused to reinstate them.

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25 News

Yola

Dame Patience Jonathan, on Wednesday, to Adamawa State, which drew a large crowd of women from the 21 local government areas, in the state, was hugely successful. Mrs Jonathan, who was represented by the wife of Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo Namadi, called on the women and youths to avoid any form of election inducement that would make them to vote the wrong candidates. Amina said the PDP had done a lot in Adamawa State, as there were ongoing projects and other achievements being recorded in various parts of the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can go and inform my principal that Adamawa is a

Patience Jonathan campaigns against financial inducement in elections PDP state; that our votes are coming en bloc,â&#x20AC;? she said. Hajia Sambo addedâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am calling all the youths to avoid any form of thuggery or inducement of any kind that will make them misbehave during the forthcoming election.â&#x20AC;? Governor Bala James Ngilari, announced, that hence forth, March 11, of every year, would be set aside as Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in the state. Bala added that democracy had come to stay.

Why civil servants falsify their ages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NUP boss Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

Ă?Ă?Ă?The

plight of civil servants after retirement has been blamed for the increasing incidence of age falsification, while in service. Chairman of Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Chukwuma Udensi, who said this, also blamed the poor treatment of the pensioners for other sharp practices, rampant in the Civil Service. He told Daily Times, in Umuahia, that the rate at which their members died as a result of non-payment

of their entitlements was appalling, adding that it should be of concern to government. He complained that Abia pensioners were the least paid in the federation and yet were owed the highest back log. According to him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in this mess, because government has failed to link pensionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pay with the Consolidated Internal Revenue Generation (IGR). That is the worst thing happening to pensionersâ&#x20AC;?. Comrade Udensi also complained of staggered system of payment of pension and called on the government to pay everyone at the same time.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day: NLC charges FG on peace, security Akor Ejumen Abuja

Ă?Ă?Ă?As Nigeria joined the

rest of the world in celebrating International Women Day (IWD), at the weekend, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure peace and security, where all people of working age can earn income and live in a society free from violence and discrimination. The Congress, in a solidarity message titled: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kudos to women in the struggle

to make it happenâ&#x20AC;?, said to make gender equality a reality, it looked forward to an end to all forms of violence, abuse and harassment against girls and women. While congratulating the working women and all women in Nigeria on the occasion, the congress said Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day was specially recognised in appreciation of the achievements, contributions and significant role of women in the economic, political and social development in any given society.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Health

s Quote We want National Assembly to include unborn babies in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill…--Ms Ijeoma Uzoma of the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage

Protesters with placards

Lagos doctors may begin strike Monday Stories by Lara Adejoro

o.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng

Lagos State residents may be in for another round of health hazards unless urgent steps are taken to avert fresh trouble in the health sector. The latest development in the camp of the doctors under the aegis of the Medical Guild, Lagos State Chapter is their vow to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday, March 16, if nothing is done by the state government, Daily Times learnt. A reliable source told our re-

porter that, “a meeting was held on Wednesday, March 4 and we have given them a 10-day ultimatum which elapses on Sunday, March 15. “We will embark on this strike without calling for any congress; but if we get any substantial commitment from the government on the issues on ground, we can then call for an emergency meeting. But for now, the congress has taken a decision.” The strike to be embarked upon, Daily Times gathered will involve all doctors in the employ of the state government, includ-

ing professors, consultants, registrars, house officers, etc. The issues include the continued engagement of doctors as casual workers, (young doctors just commencing employment, with no career path); the suspension of the training of resident doctors in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the retrospective and selective application of the administration’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy to members of the Guild. The administration also suspended the employment of doctors into the residency training

programme in LASUTH. Investigations show that the residency training programme in LASUTH, Ikeja, had been truncated, with the hospital in dire need of resident doctors while the extension of the hospital at Gbagada lack facilities and doctors. The source added that doctors were being employed as casual workers by the administration, with no apparent career path. In a recent statement signed by the chairman of the state guild, Dr ‘Biyi Kufo and made available to Daily Times, the

Continued on page 27

Expert expresses fear over attainment of MDG 5 Akor Ejumene, Abuja With less than 297 days left to the MDG deadline, Nigeria is still far from achieving the Millennium Development Goal 5 which aims at reducing by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and achieve by 2015 universal access to reproductive health. The maternal mortality ratio reduced from 1000 per 100,000 to

576 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2013 (NDHS 2013), the figure, expert said is far from the 250 per 100,000 target expected at the end of 2015. This is even as Nigeria loses an average of 40,000 women due to child birth according to the World Health Organisation in its publication: “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 - 2013”. The implication of this is that averages of 110 women die daily due to child

birth. According to the Programme Officer: Media, Development Communications (DevComs) Network, Mr. Ayodele Adesanmi said “Nigeria will have to do something drastic to achieve MDG 5. The statement made available to Daily Times in Abuja called on federal government and relevant stakeholders to redouble effort on the issue if Nigeria must attain the health related MDG in 2015.

Mothers of life...

Gov. MImiko

Ondo residents benefit from free health programme ’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure Residents of Ondo State numbering over 10, 000 have benefited from a medical programme organised by the state government in conjunction with some federal and local agencies. Addressing the beneficiaries, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, said the government was bridging the gap identified in the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support responses in Nigeria, in line with the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP), to ensure about 5 million Nigerians know their status. He disclosed that the programme was targeted at a minimum of 10,000 residents of the state through testing and counselling on blood pressure, sugar level, HIV testing and others. He likened it to a mobile hospital where free medical consultation, free medical tests and drugs are dispensed. The SSG also maintained that the government would continue to prioritise health issues and demonstrate the political will and commitment to reducing infant health mortality through numerous health programmes, upgrading health facilities, and increased access to treatment, care, support services to people infected or affected by the virus.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12 , 2015

27 Health

NGO canvasses health care support for orphanage homes Royal Diamond Orphanage Home (RDOH), a nongovernment organisation, has reiterated the need for private and government establishments in Nigeria to partner with non-government agencies offering humanitarian services, in the provision of health caresupport. Executive Director and co-founder, RDOH, Pastor Favour Olayemi, made the call on Wednesday at the commissioning of the organization’s international headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos. Pastor Olayemi said his organisation had made it an issue of priority to offer uncompromising health care services to beneficiaries at the orphanage. This he believes, is the bedrock of good living, without which, even the organisation would experience needless loss of lives. He said, “We have a medical retainership service with a reputable hospital in the neighbourhood, St. Timothy Catholic Hospital in Ojodu. “As part of the integrated approach in running orphanage homes, we have a robust and tested model for taking care of

the medical and health- related challenges. “First aid attention is being provided by our residential nurses in collaboration with our part-time medical consultants. “In the case of any further health crisis, the beneficiaries would be taken to St. Timothy Catholic Hospital, and if it’s a severe case that requires the attention of a medical consultant, we have a good working relationship with both Lagos State general hospitals and specialised children hospitals. We urge both government and private establishments to come to the aid of these beneficiaries in order to make medical services available to them almost at no cost.” Pastor Olayemi however stressed the need for every concerned institution to be more proactive in providing drugs and infrastructure for emergency cases and to always remain more supportive. Commissioning the orphanage home in Ojodu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adelani Obatula, the Olojodu of Ojodu, Lagos, described the initiative as a giant stride and great development in the right direction. The monarch urged the

Fresh strike looms in Lagos Continued from page 26 guild said it had been in discussion with the administration on these issues for over two years, following a strike in April and May 2012 when the ‘no work, no pay’ policy was applied to members of the guild, in spite of the fact that the circular backing the policy was written two months after the strike action. “The ‘no work, no pay’ policy was not applied to any of the groups, ASUU, ASUP, the teachers union; the magistrates; workers in the judiciary; and the Joint Health Sector Unions, (JOHESU) who embarked on strike between May 2012 and July 2014, with many of the strikes lasting far longer than the Guild strike. “It was however applied again when members of the guild joined a national strike of the

Nigerian Medical Association in July and August 2014,” the statement read. Kufo said further, “We had been appealing to the administration to look into the issues raised, and we went to exhaustive lengths to seek resolution of the administrations’ selective action by appeals and advocacy, all to no avail. “It appeared as if the administration intended to push the guild into a strike; a situation we wanted to avoid as we believed such an action would only affect the less-privileged and the general public, whom we serve.” However, all attempts by the state House Committee on Health and the sector via advocacies and appeals towards resolving the issues have thus far proved abortive, Kufo declared.

Olojodu of Ojodu, Oba Adelani Obatula at the commissioning

founders not to rest on their oars in their bid to explore the many opportunities of humanitarian services that abound in the initiative. In his remark, Mr. Adams, who represented the Permanent

Secretary, Ministry of Youth Sport and Social Development, attributed the successful approval and commissioning of the orphanage home to the full compliance of the founders with

regulations and requirements of the relevant state agency. He however stressed the need for improvement on the initiative, noting that “the project can only get better and nothing less.”

Youths urged on family planning before marriage Akor Ejumene, Abuja Nigerian youths have been urged to get themselves prepared for Family Planning and other marital responsibilities before engaging in active family life. In her message for the International Women’s Day 2015, the Advocacy Advisor, Nigeria Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), Ms. Ibeawuchi Charity, noted that Nigeria joined the world at the London Summit in 2012 to commit to achieving the Global Family Planning Vision 2020, which aims at supporting the rights of women and girls to decide freely and for themselves, whether, when and how many children they have. She said, “Government at all levels and partners should work together to ensure that Nigeria’s goal of 36 per cent Contraceptive Prevalence Rate is achieved by

2018. Culturally appropriate information and facts about family planning and its benefits should be widely available to all. “In particular, the youth should know all about it, well before they engage in active family life. It is only when young women begin early to know their reproductive health that they can genuinely achieve responsible family life. When all families are planned, the larger society will begin to

also plan its affairs and eventually achieve development.” She urged the government to ensure that all women of reproductive age in Nigeria have unhindered access to quality family planning services as a matter of right. “The right of women to quality family planning services in the community is not negotiable; same applies to all other maternal health services. The Federal Government’s Policy of Free Family Planning methods to all women who need the services should be equally supported by the States and Local Governments. Each level of government must commit to adequate budgetary expenditures on all the other components of a good FP programme, including consumables, logistics, supervision and training of the service providers,” she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Features

HEROES ACADEMY

Cheap, quality education With just N3,000 per term payable when able, young Israel Ase started a school in the slum that won all the prizes in Ajegunle schools competition recently. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR visited the school and reports. Heroes Group of Schools first gained prominence at a combined schools quiz competition when its pupils won all the prizes in English, science, mathematics and Religious Knowledge in Ifelodun-Ajeromi Local Government Area of Lagos State. Stunned parents and teachers from other schools who made haste to inquire where the school was located, were even more stunned to learn that the school was not only in Ajegunle, but was in one of the worst garbage slums of the area. Mrs. Martha Okoye, one of many parents who later transferred her children from their highbrow schools to Heroes after the event told Daily Times the discovery of the school was the most astounding thing she ever saw in Ajegunle. “I noticed pupils from this school at schools quiz competition and I was surprised. Their performance in all the subjects was dazzling. Three children under ten years old beat children from all other schools in Bible Quiz and made us adults who didn’t even know where to locate specific books of the Bible to become uncomfortable, but we were very excited at what we saw.” Mrs. Okoye said she made up her mind to change her chil-

dren’s school after what she saw, but when a teacher told her the fees ranged from N3000 to N7,000 per term from Nursery to College, she didn’t believe it. “I told the teacher to be serious because I wanted to transfer my children to that school. Then she took me to the founder and principal of the school who told me the reason for the school was not to make money but to give underprivileged children the best of education, and I believed him.” The young uncommon transformer turned out to be 46-yearold Reverend Israel Enato Ase, born 46 years ago in Otuegwe Village, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Incidentally, it’s the same LGA with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. During a visit to the school last week, Daily Times noted that Heroes is a school of many extremes. The school fees are ridiculously low; teaching standards curiously and demonstrably high, and the environment embarrassingly distasteful. However, the young proprietor was seen struggling to give the structure and environs a face-lift in view of the approaching rainy season. The school was in full session when our correspondent arrived. The aura of zeal, determination and tenacity to be the best hung over the teachers and pupils. A make-shift stationery store, a “bukatera” that could pass for an eatery that sells foods as cheap as N5 to N20 to pupils was tucked right opposite a filthy canal. In an interview in his office

Heroes Academy classes in session made of planks and comprising an old ‘headmaster’s desk and a broken chair, the principal disclosed that the school project was not about making money, but a divine vision with a mandate to give under-privileged children the most qualitative education obtainable anywhere in the world. “The low fee was a strategy to persuade and assist parents in this slum (most of whom do not have the money) that education is possible for their children, and it worked.”

The take-off was more difficult than he had envisaged but that only made him more determined to succeed. “Because education has been priced out of reach of these people, we started by campaigning from door to door, persuading and reasoning with parents to release their wards for this vision.” The school started with nine children and increased to 17, all from the slum; but the advertisement that brought the windfall was the pioneer pupils of Hero’s

Academy: “Because of the high standard we maintain here, any child that spends one term with us, the family and neighbours will see a massive change in that child. The children stand out in their neighbourhood and become heroes because of their ability to read, write and speak with confidence. I was particularly encouraged because I noticed a thirst, a yearning for knowledge. Other families began to ask, “What school is your child attending?” CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

17-year-old girl stabs 17-year-old friend to death JOY ANYIM NDUDI reports familiarity fueled by anger that changed the phase of life for 17 year old Chiemeriem at Iba area of Lagos. This may be the end of the road for 17 year old Chiemeriem Benjamin, an S.S.1 student who drew the curtain close on her dream of becoming a banker when she allegedly murdered her friend, 17 year old Lawrence

Oloruntobi. The shocking incident which took place at the Iba area of Lagos State has since changed the phase of life for the teenager who hails from Abia State. The suspect, who spoke with Daily Times, tells the story of how what she described as a casual exchange of word with the deceased led her to the homicide section of the Panti Divisional Police. “Lawrence was my friend; we

grew up together and have lived in the same neighbourhood for as long as I can remember. But on that fateful day, I discovered I was not in the mood to talk with him. When I came out in the morning he tried to pull some jokes which ordinarily we would have laughed over, but I just told him I was not interested in such jokes. I went out later in the day and on my way back, I saw him trying to force my younger

brother to play in stagnant pool in front of our compound. “My younger brother was crying for help because he did not want to be dragged into the muddy pool. On seeing that, I quickly walked up to Lawrence to stop him. He took it personal and threatened to slap my face. “Out of anger, I said even his mother would not dare slap my face. He then reached for a cane, which had always been what he

does whenever he has misunderstanding with anyone. I also rushed into our room to pick up a knife. Fortunately, my elder brother and a neighbour called Iya Ayo intervened and settled the misunderstanding.” Anybody would have thought the intervention ended the disagreement between the teenagers; however, Lawrence still deCONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

29 Features

for Ajegunle kids “What I am paying for my children’s former school will pay scholarship for ten children in this school from KG to SS3, and I’m not exaggerating. And I am not a fool, so I had my children transferred to Heroes.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

“How are you able to afford it?” and so on. Today, the population of Diamond Heroes, a.k.a. Heroes Academy has swelled to 500 pupils from kindergarten (KG) to SS3; that is, KG 1 to basic 3; JS1 to SS3. Teachers’ salary per month ranges from N10,000 to N20,000 paid to 20 dedicated teachers. Fees: Kindergarten fee is 3,000 per term (averaging N1,000 monthly)

while the primary is N3,500 – N3,800 per term. The college arm of the school charges N7,500 to N8,000 per term.

them because, whether the society has provision for their parents or not, they will fit into leadership positions in the future.

Scholarship Even with the low fees, the school has offered six pupils scholarships. “I was moved to give them the scholarship because their parents could not afford even the smallest payment; they just don’t have it, and the children have shown talents that I know will flourish if given the platform to study. So, I decided to encourage

Parents, students speak “When I saw the gap between children of this school and my children at a competition two years ago, I made up my mind to change their school,” said Mrs. Catherine Omovo, a business woman. “What I am paying in their former school will pay scholarship for ten children in this school from KG to SS3, and I’m not exaggerating. And I am

not a fool, so I had my children transferred to Heroes.” How did she react to the environment? “Even the environment did not discourage me even though we are privileged to be in a clean and healthy place. I am one who grew and struggled from a poor background and I am not about to pamper my children to become just average. What I want is qualitative, intellect-driven education, not mere posh environment with air conditioners and branded school buses.”

A student who preferred anonymity said Heroes changed his orientation. “It took me time to adjust when I came, but once I did, the competition in class work sat me up.” Mr. Johnson Ikeguonu, a technician who resides in Olodi area of Ajegunle told Daily Times why he chose the school. “After this school floored all students in debates, I.Q. even in Bible Quiz, I asked my children, ‘What are your teachers doing?’ And when I found out the fees, I became more curious. I asked the young principal, ‘In this Ajegunle! Where did you come from?’ And because I want my children to be as intelligent and as bright as those ones I have seen, I sent my children over here. Now, after only one school session, I am glad I didn’t hesitate. I am especially glad that I ignored the environment. This is the best thing that has happened in Ajegunle.” Now, gearing up for the challenges of the coming rains, Israel Enato told Daily Times: “We are doing some serious sand-filling. We are doing our level best to raise the ground by sand-filling and paving the whole compound space so rain will not disturb us too much.” Cost of the project? “I have spent over N400,000 for the filling and other works so far. My projection is that another N500,000 should be able to complete it. We’re not only sand-filling, we’re also flooring the ground so that it would be okay for all of us to move around come rain or shine.”

‘I only wanted to threaten him’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

cided to confront Chiemeriem on the issue that was the bone of contention. She continues: “Surprisingly, two hours later, Lawrence came and threatened to deal with me. At that stage, we started exchanging words, which later resulted into a scuffle. I ran into our house and took a kitchen knife as a way of making him back off. Unfortunate-

ly, while my elder brother was pleading with him not to fight with me since I am only a girl, I angrily stabbed Lawrence on the chest. “It was only after the action that I realised the gravity of what I had done. I started calling for help because I was very scared. Few people in the neighbourhood came and immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital but that was too late as he

gave up the ghost. “Sincerely, I never meant to kill him, I only intended to threaten him, but I did not know how and when I stabbed him,” She lamented tearfully. A source at the police CID Panti street, homicide section where the matter is currently been handled stated that it is quite pathetic, but that only a court of competent jurisdiction can determine the fate of the 17 year old Chiemeriem.

Late Oloruntobi (Insets) Chiemeriem, knives used in the act

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Our heritage

Legal minds... For the love of their nation Agozino Agozino A new book, For the love of their Nation- Lawyers as agents of change in Nigeria, is set for presentation tomorrow in Lagos. Written by veteran judicial reporter, Mustapha Ogunsakin, the new book is a collection of interviews of judges, profiles of eminent Nigerian lawyers and their contributions to national development the reporter have published in the course of covering the administration of justice system in Nigeria in 22 years. The book features rare collection of interviews on prominent judges such as the late Justices Kayode Eso, and Chukwudifu Oputa; and retired Justices of the Supreme Court such as Justice Odemwingie Uwaifo, and Justice Adesola Oguntade. Other judges such as Judge Bola Ajibola SAN, Justice Yahya Jinadu, Justice Nkem Izuako, and Justice Samuel Ilori were also featured among others. The Attorneys General profiles in the book contains the incumbent Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed BelloAdoke, Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, former Attorney General of Lagos State, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN, the incumbent, Mr Ade Ipaye, former Attorney General of Bayelsa State, Chief Anthony George- Ikoli SAN, the incumbent Attorney General of Kano State, Mr Malik Umar, the incumbent Attorney General of Niger State, Mr Abdullahi Bawa, the Attorney General of Delta State, Mr Charles Ajuyah SAN among others. The book also have the profiles, thoughts and contributions of prominent lawyers such as the late Chief FRA Williams SAN, the late chief GOK Ajayi SAN, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, and the late Mr Alao AkaBasorun. It also includes living legends such as Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Wole Olanipekun SAN, Yusuf Ali SAN, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Dele Adesina SAN, Paul Usoro SAN, Sen. Victor NdomaEgba SAN, and Mr Femi Falana SAN. In the foreword, former Presi-

dent of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Wole Olanipekun SAN said the book “chronicles the pungent and piercing thoughts of the crème de la crème of the legal profession who have all spoken out of the abundance of their hearts for the love of their nation”. He added that some of the thoughts shared and the underlying theme as can be garnered from the entire collection of interviews “made me very sober and reflective; some others sent me into a state of frenzy on how we managed to get here as a nation. Thankfully, some others got me enthusiastic about the future, even while I could not read some with dry eyes”. He added: “Ogunsakin has bequeathed a rare and exceptional gift to Nigeria and Nigerian people. The inspiration behind this work is divine, the passion intense, the energy is patriotic, the content is enchanting and pinching to the conscience of those who occupy the corridors of power”. Lagos State Attorney General,

Mr Ade Ipaye in his comments said the book “is an important, well- researched reference material about the contributions of the lawyers to the development of law and nation-building in Nigeria. It will undoubtedly inspire future and young lawyers to higher aspirations and goals and help return the noble profession to its pride of place. The book satisfactorily covers the career and achievements of some of the most prominent lawyers, including judges, Attorneys General, and Senior Advocates. It is a must read not only for anyone in the legal profession, but also for historians, sociologists, academics and development enthusiasts.” Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Pastor Dele Adesina SAN also said: “Lawyers were at the fore-front of the revolution that gave rise to American declaration of independence, Majority of the delegates to the constitutional convention that gave birth to American independence were Lawyers.

worked

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Health

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

International 14 Features

Daily Times Nigeria

News

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

Politics

ITA ENANG Lagos doctors HEROES s US woman kills CONSTITUTIONAL Militants attack Features Oil doom: Egyptian checkpoint US woman killsgrandchild grandchild caught ACADEMY: with CRISIS :Nigeria How Zik may begin near Gaza 26 in web of HEROES ACADEMY ÏÏÏ international Cheap, quality powersaw with power saw was forced to Monday Healthstrike politics s Cheap, quality education for Ajegunle kids P28 to ÏÏÏ education P26 P14 call Balewa Senator Ita Enang

Represents Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 12, 2015

With just N3,000 per term payable when able, young Israel Ase started a school in the slum that won all the prizes in Ajegunle schools competition recently. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR visited the school and reports.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.64

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Islamic militants attacked an army checkpoint in northern Sinai near the border with Gaza early on Wednesday, killing an officer, officials said. The attack came as Egypt's Islamic State affiliate, which is based in the restive peninsula, claimed responsibility for two attacks the previous day. In Wednesday's attack, militants opened fire on the checkpoint in el-Baraham near the border town of Rafah, triggering a shootout that killed 26-year-old Captain Ayman Hassan, said medical and security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media. Meanwhile, the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt — previously known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis — claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks that killed two and wounded dozens in restive Sinai. In one of the attacks, a suicide bomber drove a stolen water tanker packed with explosives up to the police compound in the city of el-Arish. His refusal to slow down at the gate prompted police to fire at the vehicle, setting off the explosives inside.

were not considered life threatening.

dren’s school after what she saw, The State's Attorney's Office but when a teacher told her the7-month-old granddaughter, who fees ranged from N3000 to N7,000was struck in the head multiple said Rodriguez is scheduled to per term from Nursery to Coltimes before having her throat appear in court on Wednesday. lege, she didn’t believe it. It did not immediately know “I told the teacher to be seriouscut with a power saw, prosecuwhether Rodriguez because I wanted to transfer mytors announced on Tuesday. We want National Assemblyhad an attorchildren to that school. Then she Police have said the baby girl,to include ney who could on the unborn babiescomment in Heroes Group of Schools first took me to the founder and princharge.Against Persons the Violence gained prominence at a com- cipal of the school who told meRose Herrera, was killed on (VAPP) Bill…--Residents of the quiet street in bined schools quiz competi- the reason for the school was notMonday, apparently because sheProhibition tion when its pupils won all the to make money but to give under-would not stop crying. The CookMs Ijeoma Uzoma of the Hispanic Litthe predominantly prizes in English, science, math- privileged children the best of for African tle Village neighbourhood where County State's Attorney's OfficeFoundation ematics and Religious Knowl- education, and I believed him.” Cultural RoseHeritage was killed said Rodriguez edge in Ifelodun-Ajeromi Local The young uncommon trans-said on Tuesday that the baby's Government Area of Lagos State. former turned out to be 46-year-52-year-old grandmother, Manuhad some health problems but Stunned parents and teachers old Reverend Israel Enato Ase,ela Rodriguez, was charged with was always pleasant. from other schools who made born 46 years ago in Otuegwe State child welfare officials haste to inquire where the school Village, Ogbia Local Govern-first-degree murder in Rose's said they had no record of ever was located, were even more ment Area of Bayelsa State. Inci-death. stunned to learn that the school dentally, it’s the same LGA with An autopsy concluded that the being called to the brick home. was not only in Ajegunle, but President Goodluck Ebele Jonababy was already dead when her Neighbours said the woman and was in one of the worst garbage than. her family were always polite slums of the area. During a visit to the schoolthroat was cut. It concluded that Mrs. Martha Okoye, one of last week, Daily Times notednot only was the girl struck in the and did not cause trouble. many parents who later trans- that Heroes is a school of manyhead with an object, but that she "She would help everybody ferred her children from their extremes. The school fees are and if you needed a glass of milk highbrow schools to Heroes after ridiculously low; teaching stan-also likely suffocated on a sock or something she would give it the event told Daily Times the dards curiously and demonstra-that was "placed in her mouth", discovery of the school was the bly high, and the environmentaccording Gov. MImiko to you," said Maria Gentil, who to aclasses county medical Heroes Academy in session most astounding thing she ever embarrassingly distasteful. examiner's log that includes the has known Rodriguez for several saw in Ajegunle. However, the young proprietor made of planks and comprising The take-off was more difficult Academy: years and saidbutshe a dotingof the high standard “I noticed pupils from this was seen struggling to give theinfant's an old death. ‘headmaster’s desk and a than he had envisaged thatwas “Because school at schools quiz competi- structure and environs a face-lift Rodriguez, broken chair, who the principal only made him more determined we maintain here, any child that grandmother. police dissay attion and I was surprised. Their in view of the approaching rainy closed that the school project to succeed. "When my mother spends died, one sheterm with us, the tempted to take her own life after performance in all the subjects season. was not about making money, “Because education has been family and neighbours will see and down the astreet askattack, was taken a hospiwas dazzling. Three children The school was in full sessionthebut a divine vision with to a manpriced went out of up reach of these peomassive change in that child. Rodriguez for money for her funeral." for treatment for injuries that under ten years old beat chil- when our correspondent arrived.tal date to give under-privileged ple, weing started by campaigning The children stand out in their ’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure dren from all other schools in The aura of zeal, determination children the most qualitative from door to door, persuading neighbourhood and become heBible Quiz and made us adults and tenacity to be the best hung education obtainable anywhere and reasoning to roes because of their ability to Residents with of parents Ondo State who didn’t even know where to over the teachers and pupils. A in the world. release their over wards numbering 10, for 000 this haveviben-read, write and speak with confilocate specific books of the Bible make-shift stationery store, a “The low fee was a strategy to sion.” efited from a medical programmedence. I was particularly encourporter “a meeting was heldbuting“bukatera” professors, consultants, regin LASUTH. to that, become uncomfortable, that could pass for an programme persuade and assist parents in The schoolbystarted with governnine aged because I noticed a thirst, a organised the state on Wednesday, March 4 and we weistrars, officers, etc. Investigations the children we were very excited at what eateryhouse that sells foods as cheap this slum (most ofshow whomthat do not and increased to 17, all yearning for knowledge. Other ment in conjunction with some havesaw.” given them a 10-day ultima- The include the contintraining programme as issues N5 to N20 to pupils was tucked residency have the money) that education from the slum; but the advertise- families began to ask, “What federal and local agencies. tum which elapses onshe Sunday, engagement of doctors LASUTH, Ikeja, had been Mrs. Okoye said made upuedright opposite a filthy canal. as in is possible for their children, and ment that brought the windfall school is your child attending?” Addressing the beneficiaries, the March (young doctors her15.mind to change her chil-casual In workers, an interview in his office truncated, it worked.” with the hospital in was the pioneer pupils of Hero’s

Ondo residents benefit from free health programme

Australian PM slammed for remarks on indigenous communities

Ex-Italian PM back in politics after acquittal

The carnage of barrel bombs in Syria Stories by Lara Adejoro

o.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 “We will embark on this strike just commencing employment, dire need of resident doctors Secretary to the State GovernChairman, Ondo State without calling for any con- with no career path); the sus- while the extension of the hos- ment and Critics have called the remarks angered indigenous communiAustralian Prime Minister, gress; but if we get any sub- pension of the training of resi- pital at Gbagada lack facilities Agency for the Control of AIDS "offensive" and "inappropriate". ties and diverted attention away Tony Abbott has been criticised (ODSACA), Dr. Aderotimi Adestantial commitment from the dent doctors in the Lagos State and doctors. lola, said the government wasin SeptemIt was announced from a serious discussion about suggesting thatthat people living government on the issues on University Teaching Hospital for The source added doctors bridging gapthe identified in the berthe that federal government reforms in Aboriginal and Torindigenous communities ground, we can then call for (LASUTH) and the retrospective inwere being employed as casual are HIV/AIDS prevention, care and an emergency meeting. But for and selective application of the making workersa by the administration, would transfer responsibility for res Strait Islander areas. "lifestyle choice". support responses in Nigeria, in now, JOY the congress has taken a administration’s ‘no work, no with no apparent career path. does whenever has misunbrother to play in stagnant pool grew up together and have lived Oloruntobi. ANYIM NDUDI reports funding Indigenous Australian he "I'm a bit nervous about the Visiting Western Australia, line with front of the our President’s compound. Compre-derstanding with anyone. I also inInthe same neighbourhood for in shocking incidentofwhich familiarity fueled by anger thatpay’ The decision.” policy to members the a recent statement signed hensive Response Plan (PCRP), to communities to individual states. wordto'close'; Mr Abbott said the government pick upwhen you say that to “My younger brother was rushed into our room as the long chairman as I can remember. But took place at the Iba area of La- by changed of life for 17Guild. The strikethetophase be embarked of the state ensurefor about million a knife. , my elderpeople in Australia, help5 because he did Radio on that fateful day , I discovered I crying gos State has since changed thecould year old Times Chiemeriem at Iba area The Speaking to Nigerians ABC onFortunately a Aboriginal not "endlessly subsidise" upon, Daily gathered will administration also susguild, Dr ‘Biyi Kufo and made know their status. not want to be into the brother and a neighbour called was not into theDaily mood to talk with phasethe of employment life for the teenager of Lagos. involve all doctors in the employ pended of doc- those available thewith visit todragged Kalgoorlie on Tuesday, the hair stands up on the back of that chose notTimes, to fit in pool. On that, I Iya Ayo intervened and settled him. When I came out in the muddy who hails from Abia State. He disclosed thatseeing the programme of the state government, includ- tors into the residency training the Mr Abbott said that Western their necks because it has an hiswider society . to on tried page 27pull some quickly the misunderstanding.” walked up to Lawrence morning he The suspect, who spoke with Continued This may be the end of was targeted at a minimum have thought toofstop him.residents He took itofpersonal jokes which ordinarily said we would the road for 17 year old Chiemer- Daily Times, tells the story of how He Australia Premier ColinAnybody Barnettwould torical premise, because we were has previously he sup10,000 the state the intervention ended the disthreatened to slap my face. iem Benjamin, an S.S.1 student what she described as a casual ex- have laughed over, but I just told and through and counselling wastesting right to close nearly half the forced off our land in 1930s and ports the planned closure of up “Out of anger, I said even his agreement between the teenagwho drew the curtain close on change of word with the deceased him I was not interested in such on blood pressure, sugar communities level, state's remote if Lawrence 1940s,"still he said. 150 remote communities in dewould 274 not dare slap my ers; however, I went out later in the mother her dream of becoming a banker led her to the homicide section ofto jokes. HIV testing and others. He likthen reached for a cane, services to day andAustralia. on my way back, I saw face. He when she allegedly murdered the Panti Divisional Police. the cost of hospital providing "People are living in these Western ened ithad to aalways mobilebeen CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 whatwhere he “Lawrence was my friend; we him trying to force my younger which her friend, 17 year old Lawrence benefits. communities not because of lifefree them medicaloutweighed consultation,the free 576 per 100,000 between 1990 and birth. medical "What tests and wedrugs can'taredodisis endlessly style choices but because of very 2013 (NDHS 2013), the figure, exAccording to the Programme pensed. subsidise lifestyle choices if strong cultural and religious reapert said is far from the 250 per Officer: Media, Development The SSG also maintained that those lifestyle choices are not sons. People have got to under100,000 target expected at the end Communications (DevComs) Netthe government would continue of 2015. work, Mr. Ayodele Adesanmi said conducive to the kind stand that for indigenous people to prioritise health issues andof full parThis is even as Nigeria loses “Nigeria will have to do someticipation in Australian society in Australia, their country is the demonstrate the political will and an average of 40,000 women due thing drastic to achieve MDG 5. commitment to reducing infant have," Mr that everyone should essence of their being." to child birth according to the The statement made available healthAbbott mortality through numersaid. A woman attends a march to World Health Organisation in its to Daily Times in Abuja called on ous health programmes, upgrad"Fine, by all means live in a reprotest for aboriginal rights. Phopublication: “Trends in Maternal federal government and relevant ing health facilities, and increased Mortality: 1990 - 2013”. The impli- stakeholders to redouble effort on location, but there's a limit to: November 2014 Indigenous accessmote to treatment, care, support cation of this is that averages of the issue if Nigeria must attain services to people or af- the state to what youinfected can expect Australians represent about 2.5% 110 women die daily due to child the health related MDG in 2015. fectedto bydo the for virus. Mothers of life... you if you want to live of Australia's 24 million people

ÏÏÏ

17-year-old girl stabs 17-year-old friend to death

Expert expresses fear over attainment of MDG 5

ÎÎÎMARWAN was on the

Abdel

While the world’s attention is focused on the horrors perpetrated by the Islamic State in other parts of my country, the daily terror of barrel bombs is our gravest threat.

operating table when the lights blinked and fizzled out. I turned on the headlamp I wear for situations like these, but it flickered, indicating low batteries. The nurse to my left pulled her cellphone from her pocket and turned it on, creating the only light in the pitch-black basement. Others in the room followed suit with their phones, shining the devices at the wound and producing just enough light to allow me to finish repairing the little boy’s broken body. Marwan had arrived at my field hospital, which was built underground to avoid bombardment, after losing his mother, sister and both of his legs in a barrel bomb attack late last year. In recovery after the surgery, he asked me in a timid voice, “Will I be able to go to school anymore?” In another incident, two weeks later, we worked hard to stabilize a man with a severe leg fracture. We loaded him and two other patients into an ambulance to take them on the 90-minute journey to the Turkish border, where they could receive better care in safer conditions.

Akor Ejumene, Abuja

Just as they headed out, another barrel bomb struck, landing next to the ambulance. The paramedic was the only survivor. After four years of war in Syria, stories like this are all too common. I am a surgeon operating in Aleppo, a city in the northwest still partially held by the armed opposition — though under increasing pressure from Syrian government forces. I have witnessed countless attacks like these and the toll they continue to take on my patients, my city and my country, which lies in ruins. The United Nations estimates that some 220,000 of my fellow Syrians have died during this conflict. I believe the true number of fatalities could be twice as high. After a barrelbomb strike, an accurate casualty count is almost impossible; many bodies are buried under rubble and cannot be recovered. The United Nations’ figure also does not account for the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have been “disappeared.” Some may be in jail, but many, we expect, have been killed. The government told us that a relative of mine, a pharmacist, was dead; but no body has

been returned to his family. While the world’s attention is focused on the horrors perpetrated by the Islamic State in other parts of my country, the daily terror of barrel bombs is our gravest threat. The denials of President Bashar al-Assad about the use of these weapons ring hollow, for we are living through a hurricane of barrel bombs dropped by his regime. These are old oil barrels, filled with up to a ton of explosives, nails, gasoline and even chlorine or other chemical agents. Dropped from a high altitude over heavily populated areas, they are crude, ruthless and indiscriminate. A favorite regime tactic is to drop several in sequence in order to kill or maim the ordinary Syrians who have come to help the victims of the first attack. The lucky ones, like me, who have so far avoided death are subjected to the daily terror and crippling fear of the next helicopter-borne barrage of horror. Many of my colleagues have not been so lucky. The organization Physicians for Human Rights has documented some 233 attacks on medical fa-

With less than 297 days left to the MDG deadline, Nigeria is still far from achieving the Millennium Development Goal 5 which aims at reducing by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and achieve by 2015 universal access to reproductive health. The maternal mortality ratio reduced from 1000 per 100,000 to

Abbott

Somali, AU troops repel al-Shabaab attack ÏÏÏ

Somali and African Union troops, on Wednesday, repelled an attack by al-Shabaab militants against the southern town of Wanla Weyn, police and residents said. Wanla Weyn, which links several key towns in southern and central Somalia, was retaken from alShabaab by government and AU troops three years ago. "[Al-Shabaab] entered the town from different directions, with a large number of fighters armed with guns, rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, looting civilian shops and business premises," police representative Abdiwali Farah said. Al-Shabaab spokesperson Abdiaziz Abu Musca told pro-insurgent radio Andalus the attack had been "tactical". He did not say whether the insurgents had tried to capture the town. The fighting in Wanla Weyn comes after the capture of the transit hub Masjid Ali Gadud by Somali and AU troops on Tuesday.

cilities and more than 600 health professionals killed (97 percent of whom died, they estimate, in government-led attacks). Human Rights Watch has documented more than 1,000 barrel-bomb impact sites in Aleppo in the year since the Security Council passed Resolution 2139, which called for an end to their use in populated areas. The Security Council, including the United States, promised “further steps” if this didn’t happen. And yet the helicopters come. The chop-chop-chop of their blades causes panic every time. And the barrel bombs continue to rain down, on our homes, on our schools and on our hospitals, often at a rate as high as 50 per day. Why do I stay? Because it would be strange not to: This is my city. People are being killed every day. It is my duty. The government has recently made advances into the opposition-held areas around Aleppo, raising the specter of a siege that would have devastating consequences. Our access to the little humanitarian and medical assistance that does trickle in would be cut off. A renewed government assault on the there." The chair of the government's Indigenous Advisory Council, Warren Mundine, told the BBC that Mr Abbott's comments had

Mick Gooda, the social justice commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities, said it was "a poor choice of words".

The last time you were here you spoke about salaries of workers in Akwa Ibom State. It has now been paid? I want to congratulate Akwa

Ibom urge t cause that. O and pa Wh paid? left? Ag have s some, open teach All the the el anoth

form governmentCONSTITUTIO -Daura P 8 How Zik to call B governm

Quote

Lagos doctors may begin strike Monday

Senator Ita Enang represents Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, he is one of the strongest voices at the senate. In this interview with ENO-OBONG OKON, he speaks on national issues as it affects Akwa Ibom State now and in the future. Excerpts:

Daura

ÏÏÏFormer Prime Minister Sil-

vio Berlusconi has welcomed his Kwasu Alhamdu acquittal by Italy's highest court The spokesman of the Inand plans to make a political dependent National Eleccomeback. toral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State, Mr. Femi Akinleye has The Court of Cassation rejectsaid that the commission is fully ed appeals to overturn his acquitprepared for the general election tal on charges of underage sex after the successful test-running of the card readers. with a prostitute and abusing his The commission tested the office to cover it up. card readers last weekend in 12 Berlusconi, 78, hailed the ruling as a beautiful day for politics, justice and the rule of law. "I am back in the field with Forza Italia," he said. The three-time Italian prime minister remains embroiled in several legal battles and is barred from running for election under the Severino law, which bars from office anyone sentenced to more than two years in jail. A master of political comebacks, Silvio Berlusconi believes he is ready to pull off yet another return to the Italian political scene. For the past few months, he was quietly serving his community service sentence weekly and under court surveillance - but now that is over.

JEGA

INEC recorded 95% percent on card reader test-running

Alhaji Sani Zango Daura is one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. In this interview with VICTOR JIBRIN, the elder statesman takes a look at Nigeria from the era of the nation’s heroes, regretting the current situationwhich he blamed on incorrigible leadership and self-centeredness. But he expressed optimism that the country can be good again, if Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is given the chance to the problems of Nigeria. Excerpts: On October 1, Nigeria will be 55 years as an independent nation, will you say this is the Nigeria of your dream? Well, not only of my dream but you could have said does this Nigeria reflect the dreams of the founding fathers? They had a dream for it and that dream is of greatness anchored on the

city would put scores more Marwans on my operating table, but prevent us from receiving the medical equipment and supplies we need to save their lives. I am a doctor and a humanitarian, not a military man: It is not for me to say how the international community should protect civilians. I only know that the bombing must be stopped by all means necessary, that the carnage must end, that civilians need a protected zone where they feel safe to go about their daily lives. The Syrian government should be held accountable for the war crimes it commits every day by using barrel bombs to kill civilians and target hospitals and schools. The United States and the international community must look beyond addressing the Islamic State alone, or simply providing humanitarian assistance. While we work toward a political resolution of the conflict, civilians need protection now — and that requires serious American leadership.

Abdel is a Syrian doctor. His full name is being withheld to protect his identity.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

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Life&

TIMES Thursday March 12, 2015

Ashionye Raccah ...And her many entertaining sides The big winners at the AMVCA L Kaffy, bereaved L P

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

www.bglgroupng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday March 12, 2015

L3 Interview

I have paid my dues as an actress - Ashionye Raccah

Opeoluwani Akintayo And Mutiat Alli

Dressed in a red body hugging gown, Ashionye Raccah stepped on the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards red carpet, handin-hand with her husband, Carl. Heavily pregnant with her second child, the singer, songwriter,

Public Property,

screenwriter, opened up about riage and sundry issues. How do you feel being here for the AMVCA?

How do you feel?

Why? -

Did you get any training for it?

tonight?

Life&

T E A M

higher than Journey to self?

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Movie Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

Stories by: Mutiat Alli

Kunle Afolayan, Rita Alex Ekubo, Bez Idakula partners Dominic others win big verve international â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Truly African Campaign at AMVCA -

talented singer and alternahave joined Verve Internapaign in celebration of the

Rita Dominic

Fathia Balogun

Kunle Afolayan

ka Igwe was honored with the Industry Merit award. The winner of

has been announced the biggest rica Magic Viewers choice award

with a luxurious diamond studded

awards including Best Movie and

talent. It is important to note that

gerian psychological thriller October 1 movie. Other notable winners included Nollywood romantic

wowed by performances by Osas -

for Femi Jacobs. The event saw awards also presented to CJ Obasi

off the event with an electrifying performance that made the night unforgettable.

Actress Ebube spotted with Messi

showcase to the world their

chip + PIN enabled card accepted on all available payment channels in the country.

Ini Edo, Annie Idibia, others walk against rape ers to participate in the Walk -

ship with the Lagos Ministry of ous domestic violence cases. The walk which kicked off from Project Cordinator Esther Ijewere, Ini Edo, Annie Idiba

closed that rapists should not cases of domestic violence should be reported to the ap-

Nollywood actress and entrethe war against rape campaign is a social advocacy tilted towards lending voice to sexually most famous footballers at the Phillip Plein shop in London. The

taking them from a stage of selfdenial to self-determination. Cross section of participants

with fellow actress Nkechi Nnaji ran into Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas who had popped in to

Actor Tchidi Chikere and wife dedicate child

Nwagbo shared the photos on

Popular Nollywood actor Tchidi Chikere and his new wife Nuella Njubuigbo ended 2014 on a joyful cute baby girl christened Tess. The baby was given mediately the news of the child delivery hit the Inter-

Ebube and Messi

tion as Catholic church faithfuls.

Tchidi Chikere with family

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

L5 Music Gist

Kaffy loses her mom

Stories by: Opeoluwani Akintayo

Kcee now â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ambassador!

This sad news coming from Ni-

hands of death. She took to her In-

heads in parties

for me. wealth of experience. Kcee

Limpopo

Kaffy

Illbliss, Toolz, others remember Notorious B.I.G The social media was on

to read WordUp magazines/

MUSI alert!

Mista Yaks- Remember Me

and who took to Twitter and and songs of the dead rap-

took to their social media ac-

ping along to the late rap-

Niyola

in Northern Nigeria as an ac-

wrote on his Instagram wall after sharing photos of the late rapper.

some lead roles as well in main-

made this amazing sketch

stronger on social media all Illbliss

Falz

Behind the scene

Jaywon shoots Tanawole -

Tanawole video shoot

Comedian, Julius Agwu, his daughter and son rocking same shoes.

SODOKU

Industry Issues L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

October 1: Between commercial and arty films abruptly, the other comes in

Victor Akande

cinema house, subsequent

When 30 Days in Atlanta, a directorial feature by notable comedian, Ayo Makun, was announced as the highdate, concerns were raised in some quarters of the movie industry, about an imminent trend, that may soon see

For all you care, AY, as the is popularly called, could suddenly become a book for

by barter, being long gone, there is still the need to strike a balance between money that comes from a movie and a special place for the goodwill that could come

international recognition that pride in competitive awards, institutional recognitions and educational referrals that have made educators out

movie titles like One Love, Bitter Love, Annoying Love, Love Without Sense, Acute Love, Fatherless Love, Secret Love derstand that the life of a

lives for, then the worth of

Where does this place us as a country when we are

Nollywood must rise from mere commercial inclinations, and give room to arty

how his business sense is programmed, it is not likely that he will be releasing the

Kunle Afolayan talk recently, maker, one cannot but call him the indisputable poster maker, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, you would also break into the global land-

strike a balance between

basis to compare the movie October 1 which tasks your imagination and provokes your thoughts while also entertaining you) with 30 Days In Atlanta

though the days of art-for-art sake is gone, what with the Yoruba travelling theatres of yester years, days of playing buffoonery before kings

cinema owner with higher percentage above what the it a win-win situation for a

grosses in Nigeria, when it is obvious AY might not get more than N40m from the On the other hand, an October 1 has the potential to be sourced -

time soon, what with 1st October, 2015, and several other holidays, which would

Such is the mileage for this

new when taken to the cineOctober 1st for Nigerians, evolves nostalgic feelings, which naturally will have the young and the old gravitating towards such

niche market rather than a

Such period, each year, may just be one of the cash cows for Afolayan, each time his classic, October 1 is shown

from a classic like October 1, despite making well over N60m in the cinema so far, would inevitably have its commercial potential come ence in the two is that while one could be compared to a heavy downpour that ceases

points to the fact that October 1 as a movie, has gotten to the level of serious business where it can be picked

won Best Feature Film, Best Actor and Best Screen Play of the biggest global online -

or screening venues, usu-

and with a platform like the Nigeria-domiciled Africa International Film Festival

fast developing in Nigeria,

Indeed, one does not need a soothsayer to forecast the commercial gains of the movie, despite its severstopping there, Afolayan said plans are ongoing to subtitle guages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Dutch,

festivals is competition, that

festivals promote the art of entertainment, but also as a and a stimulus for dialogue about social, political and the auteur theory, a word elucidation of the concept

the higher it goes, the cooler

also came tops at the last personal creative vision, as -

Pan African Film Festival,

tor, who oversees all audio and visual elements of the motion picture, is more to be

the money made from a movie than the writer of the cinema is shared 50/50 be-

Despite being the highest gross-

our potentials for historical,

mercial avenue which October 1 enjoys and which has -

Despite being the highest and end with how much is -

rate organisations, long be-

also make money from seminars or conferences, giving

may be spurred by the comand see the need for replicas in funny pass offs like 10 Nights in Onitsha, 15 Afternoons in Malaysia, Akpos In London shown that Nollywood has a history of joining the bandwagon and riding on the success of certain story ideas until they become nauseat-

Logically, October 1 should have hit N137m 30 Days in Atlanta, so far), and still counting, when you take into cognisance, the series of private screenings, which

auteur theory holds that a

with the intention of judging which are most deserving of various forms of recognition, of October 1, among several

but not the least, the sky is maker, who is already in premovie, which he said is another thriller, a contemporary -

that will be competing at he said another series is in of awards and recognitions, ly, he received the Nollywood Man of the Year diadem, giv-

cal thriller, featuring veteran broadcaster, Sadiq Daba, actress Kehinde Bankole, Ademola Adedoyin, Kanayo layan himself, received 13 nominations, the most in this

included top categories such Movie of 2014, Best Art Director, Best Actress and course the movie won nine

partnership with the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law -

We will be taking court cases in Nigeria and converting and order and crime kind of

Victor Akande is a guest writer Writers are encouraged to send in their articles on burnsic) issues of not more than sion and where you are writ-

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

L7 Music & Movie Review

Mavin Looku Looku:

Where is the swag? Opeoluwani Akintayo

Running Time: 3: 48 seconds Directed by: Unlimited L.A Produced by: Don Jazzy

Tango With me! erence More than just an emotional film, a movie with a diff Mutiat Alli

Initial release: Running Time: Screenplay: Director: Budget:

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday March 12, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

161 Maisha Magic

106 M-Net Movies Action+ Africa

05:30

00:11

Wed, 11 Mar | 16 VSNL

Thu, 12 Mar | PG

Chris Hemsworth must survive a series of horrors in

101 M-Net

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

154 AfricaMagic Family

128 SONY MAX

XT Exclusive

SUAREZ

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

VICTOR AGALI

About Victor Agali Victor Okechukwu Agali (born December 29, 1978 in Okpanam, Delta State) is a Nigerian footballer who last played for Jiangsu Sainty. In 1997, Agali joined French club Olympique Marseille. Finding it hard to establish a first team place, he quickly moved to Sporting Toulon Var and subsequently to Germany, where he played in Hansa Rostock and Schalke 04. From 2005 to 2007 he played in the Turkish Premier Super League, returning to German Bundesliga team Rostock in August 2007. At Rostock Agali did not do well, after just one goal in 23 league matches he was given a free transfer to the Greek club Skoda Xanthi FC. After a season with Greek club Skoda Xanthi the Nigerian striker signed for Anorthosis Famagusta. On December 27, 2009, he was arrested at Schiphol airport near Amsterdam for carrying fake passports. He moved in summer 2010 to the Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Sainty. Agali has played for Nigeria at a number of occasions, including the 2000 Summer Olympics.

X4,5

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team:

Victor Agali Victor Okechukwu Agali December 29, 1978 (age 36) Okpanam, Delta State, Nigeria 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Striker Free agent

Senior career 1995: 1996: 1997: 1997–1998: 1998–2001: 2001–2004: 2004–2005: 2005–2006: 2006–2007: 2007–2008: 2008–2009: 2009: 2009–2010: 2010:

Princess Jegede Nitel Lagos Marseille Toulon Hansa Rostock Schalke 04 Nice Kayseri Erciyesspor Ankaragucu Hansa Rostock Skoda Xanthi Anorthosis Famagusta Levadiakos Jiangsu Sainty

National team 2000–2004:

Nigeria

VICTOR

AGALI

Thursday, March 12, 2015

QUIT

S E L G EA TELLS M I T E , B O J

I H S KE

KOMPANY’S ROW THREATENS CITY TITLE X8 CHASE

Poster! PERSONAL INFORMATION

cleared for Liverpool charity game X3

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

MCILROY TARGETS MASTERS’ RECORD

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

RONALDO VOWS Henderson

NEVER TO TALK TO PRESS R

eal Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has pledged not to speak to the press for the rest of the campaign. Ronaldo scored twice in Real’s 4-3 UEFA Champions League defeat to Schalke on Tuesday, taking his tally for the season to 41 in all competitions. However, although Real squeezed through 5-4 on aggregate, Ronaldo looked less than impressed after the final whistle as his side reflected on a fifth defeat of 2015. “I’m not going to talk,” he told reporters. “I won’t talk to the press again until the end of the season.”

Ronaldo

Liverpool captaincy not decided -Henderson

ordan Henderson is not convinced he will necessarily succeed Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain next season. Long-serving midfielder Gerrard is due to depart for LA Galaxy at the end of the campaign, and vice-captain Henderson has assumed the skipper’s armband at times this season with Gerrard out injured. While the former Sunderland man is considered the favourite to succeed Gerrard, Henderson maintains he is not taking anything as given. “Next season we’ll see what happens because it might not be me succeeding Stevie, it might be someone else,” Henderson said. “There are a lot of strong leaders in the dressing room. There are a lot of big characters in the team - down to earth, humble people.” Brendan Rodgers’ men remain in contention for a top-four finish despite a dismal start to their Premier League campaign - having run Manchester City close for the title last term.

Podolski

Podolski,

Arsenal romance not over

ukas Podolski says “the chapter is not closed with Arsenal”, with his loan deal at Inter set to expire at the end of the season. The Germany international moved to San Siro in January, having fallen out of favour under Arsene Wenger. Podolski has yet to find the net in nine appearances for his new club, and has hinted that a permanent move to Inter would not be his desired choice.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

Suarez

Z E R A SU L O O P

R O F D E CLEAR ER LIV E M A G Y CHARIT

skipper Steven s, selected by am te former viceAgadir. rd and retired co in a friendly in rra oc Ge or M in ed ay ar er. been cle ed to pl ain Jamie Carragh uis Suarez has Suarez is allow le serving capt to play hi er will confirm ol w , gh po try rra er un Ca Liv co d s to an hi Gerrard to return friendlies for ive e tit th pe m at s conference co ch ne at e ban from squads at a w am ll fu -g e ne in a charity m th ni a t bi t of posed after he ter being left ou internationals, im g today. end of March af s confirmed to be gio Chiellini durin or Gi d. er ua nd sq fe Among the player de y’s ly ua Ita . pool Urug ne r Ju fo t las ld il r are former Liver ch in Braz left Anfie taking part so fa a World Cup mat Suarez, who ina, z, Re re ds ba pe un Ta Pe po r s, ca rre on 75 milli Fernando To y coach Os t ua te ar ug qu Ur , w Barcelona in a ld l vera Alonso, as ell the 28-year-o was one of se Kuyt and Xabi rk gh, has left out Di ou th dier move last July, at th ke ld ta hn Terry and Di turn to Anfie d agreed to as Chelsea’s Jo owing him to re ry all ier players who ha Th by er d rik se st ni ex-Arsenal match orga weekend. a Drogba, and part in a charity st ho ill w nd Liverpool’s grou ” Henry. Liverpool. kes place on ta een two “all-star , tw gh be ou ch th at e, m m ity ar ch The ga ce fa y after Uruguay March 29, a da

Ronaldo, Casillas unhappy over Real’s form

sensational Champions League night at the Bernabeu ended with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo refusing to speak to the press after the game and captain Iker Casillas

Ronaldo

admitting that his side had “hit rock bottom.” Schalke arrived in the Spanish capital with few pundits giving them any chance of progressing, however Roberto Di Matteo’s side pushed the reigning European champions all the way— eventually losing the tie 5-4 on aggregate despite winning the second leg 4-3. The Germans twice capitalised on Madrid mistakes to take the lead during the opening stages, only for Blancos talisman Ronaldo to twice equalise with excellent headers. Even after Karim Benzema put Madrid 3-2 ahead on the night soon after half time, the Bundesliga outfit refused to give up, and goals from teenager Leroy Sane and exMadrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar put their side back within one more of the last eight.

evin Mirallas is out to give Everton a platform for progression when they host Dynamo Kiev in today’s first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. A 4-1 first-leg advantage helped the Toffees past Young Boys in the previous round, with Roberto Martinez’s side boasting three home wins from four in Europe this term. In contrast, Kiev have never won in England and have bad memories of Merseyside following their 2001-02 Champions League loss to Liverpool. Kiev were in hot water with UEFA after fans invaded the pitch against Guingamp in the previous round, as the governing body hit the Ukrainian side with a partial stadium ban. Even with a reduced capacity, a hostile atmosphere is likely to await Everton next week and Mirallas is eager to take the sting out of the tie at Goodison Park.

Mirallas

plots Dynamo Kiev fall

UEFA

EUROPA LEAGUE FIXTURES TODAY’S MATCHES Zenit v Torino 18: 00 Dnipro v Ajax 19: 00

Wolfsburg v Inter 19: 00 Club Brugge v Beșiktaș 19: 00 Everton v Dynamo Kyiv 21: 05 Villarreal v Sevilla 21: 05 Napoli v Dinamo Moskva 21: 05 Mirallas

Fiorentina v Roma 21: 05

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team:

Victor Agali Victor Okechukwu Agali December 29, 1978 (age 36) Okpanam, Delta State, Nigeria 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Striker Free agent

Senior career 1995: 1996: 1997: 1997–1998: 1998–2001: 2001–2004: 2004–2005: 2005–2006: 2006–2007: 2007–2008: 2008–2009: 2009: 2009–2010: 2010:

Princess Jegede Nitel Lagos Marseille Toulon Hansa Rostock Schalke 04 Nice Kayseri Erciyesspor Ankaragucu Hansa Rostock Skoda Xanthi Anorthosis Famagusta Levadiakos Jiangsu Sainty

National team 2000–2004:

Nigeria

VICT

TOR

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

GALI

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

FORGET

EAGLES

JOB, ETIM TELLS

KESHI

Ojieva Ehiosun

ormer Nigeria international, Etim, Esin has advised embattled out-of-contract Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi to leave the top job and find fortune elsewhere, adding that Keshi can do better by coaching other countries. “I think Stephen Keshi should make a decision now on what to do with himself as far as coaching the Super Eagles is concerned. “It is not compulsory that he must

continue to coach the senior national team of Nigeria, other countries are looking for him, so it is better he calls it quit now and move ahead with his life rather than remain an object of ridicule before the Nigerian press,” Esin said. Esin further revealed that Keshi has achieved so much for Nigerian football, thus deserves respect from NFF officials. “Talking about achievements in the history of Nigerian football, Keshi has done very well both as a player and as a coach, thus deserves some respect

from NFF. It also appears that NFF bigwigs do not want him and my candid advice is that he should forget the job. “Our football at the senior level is actually suffering because we need a manager to handle them. I read the Sport Minister’s comment few days ago that Keshi is not indispensable which implies that he was no longer wanted. “Frankly, Keshi’s fate is in his hands, so it’s up to him to decide, and if I were him I will quit honorably,” Esin concluded.

Keshi

Egwuekwe

Agba vows to end Rangers title drought

cautions Wolves over Dedebit E W

Mike Otanwa

Egwuekwe

arri Wolves captain Azubuike Egwuekwe has warned that Saturday’s Confederation Cup tie against Dedebit SC of Ethiopia will be tough and urged the fans to come out in thousands to cheer them to victory. The Super Eagles defender revealed that Dedebit, who play their matches in Bahir Dar Stadium, about 700km, North of Addis Ababa, had about 42,000 fans for their last match, thus they have to finish the work in Warri, else they will have themselves to blame.

Murray in line for Nishikori clash

ndy Murray has been drawn in the top half along with world number one Novak Djokovic, who he could potentially meet in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Murray, who receives a bye in the first round, will have to get

past either Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin or Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in the second round. If the Scottish star progresses he could meet 26th seed Phillipp Kohlschreiber in the third round, before facing either Fabio Fognini or Ernest Gulbis - both in the world’s top 20 - in the fourth.

Egwuekwe affirmed that fans can win the match for them by cheering them ceaselessly because Dedebit parade several internationals, so Wolves need to double their efforts to scale through. “We are aware of the herculean task ahead because Dedebit are not a small team. About 42,000 fans were present in their last match so we want our fans to come out in thousands to cheer us to victory,” he said. “They parade national team players, about seven, so we just have to work hard to see that we do well in the first leg because the second leg will be difficult.”

McIlroy nets top sponsor for Irish Open

ory Mcilroy’s swing might be out of kilter but the World No. 1 is achieving remarkable results on behalf of the Irish Open. The event’s desperate five-year search for a title sponsor will come to an end on Friday when a multi-million deal with a blue chip corporate backer will be unveiled,

initially on a one-year contract for May’s event at Royal Co Down but with an option going forward. That new sponsor is certain to get bang for his buck as McIlroy, promoting the event through the Rory Foundation, convinces friends and rivals on the world stage to play one of golf’s iconic venues.

nugu Rangers attacker, Samuel Agba, is elated after scoring his first goal of the season, though his team lost 2-3 away to Taraba in Jalingo in the Premier League game last Sunday. Agba, who joined Rangers from Kaduna United during the mid-season transfer window last season, hopes he can score more goals to lead Rangers to the title, despite the loss to Taraba. Rangers are yet to win any trophies since 1984. Abel Bobby put Taraba ahead in the game before Pierre Coly equalised for Rangers. Malik and Nura Mohammed added a goal each for the home side before Agba came off the bench to score for Rangers again. “I’m happy I scored but sad we lost the game at the same time,”Agba said. “It was a tough game for us, but we have proved we can score goals away which shows an improvement from last season. “I hope to score more goals for Rangers this season so as to attract the national team handlers. I want to play for the national team,” said the player who is easily remembered for his lightning speed goal against Sunshine Stars in Akure last season.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

GOLF TIMES

With Teddy Okiemute

Y O R L I C M TARGEETRSS’ the hen teeMasters an a th off in less cIlroy M ry o month, R r fourth playe me just the o d ec b an , to rs y o tr aj will tive m ce ree consecu in th (s in a w er to rs ever the Maste in r ye la p h . just the sixt er grand slam lete the care he looked p e m er co h w to ) , 4 ai b u 193 D in 5 1 an 20 ors and was McIlroy beg on two maj w o h w r ye e pla in 2014. like the sam r of the Year ye la ar) in P r u To (all under p named PGA lay rounds and -p ar ke p ro er st d n t In eigh tive 40 u la u m cu a ad Dubai, he h of 67.0. r play ring average o sc a ed ) of PGA Tou st o p (two weeks s d ry -n o u st ro t x en si But in n a differ ee b ’s it s, te Sta lative score in the United and a cumu ar p er d n u nd just one rou is first . ar p er ov a Classic in h x of si at The Hond t 2011 cu ce d n se si is first time e He even m th ’s it d ason, an his first two er par after start of a se ov ly ve ti la u m that he’s cu ents. PGA Tour ev McIlroy’s stroke-play ce between en er iff d st been his ge ig as b h The ed States it n U e th d an play in Dubai s. on the par 5 5s (four ce an rm fo er p 32 total par d ye la p oy lr cI bogeys M 0 , d ai In Dub irdies an corded 19 b re ercent d p 9 an 5 ), d e, n per rou ng averag ri o sc 1 .4 (4 les on those ho 5s, te). ra n 0 total par io rs ve con e’s played 2 h ng r, ri u o sc To 0 A .7 G On the P an eagle (4 d an s ie d ir ). nb version rate making seve percent con average, 40

MAST D R O C RE

Woods concedes naming

right to Nike

I Woods

t’s often said that success comes with a price. For Tiger Woods, that price appears to be his name. A developer working with the golfer on a new $8 million restaurant says he can’t use “Tiger Woods” in any part of the name of the establishment because Nike owns its rights. Nicholas A. Mastroianni II says the deal with Nike prohibits Woods himself from using his first and last name without its consent. Because of that, the Jupiter, Fla. restaurant will be named, Woods Jupiter: Sports and Dining Club. A Nike endorser since turning pro in 1996, Woods signed his fourth endorsement deal with the company back in 2013. His contracts with the company have been reported to be worth in the neighborhood of $20 million per year.

McIlroy

ive-time Open Championship winners Tom Watson and Peter Thomson will join other former champions in a special challenge match the day before this year’s tournament starts at St Andrews on July 16. The Champion Golfers Challenge will consist of a four-hole team-based shootout, with groups of three or four playing the 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course for a prize of £50,000 which will go to a charity of the winning team’s choice. Australian Thomson will mark the 60th anniversary of his win at St Andrews in 1955, while Watson will be playing on the 40th anniversary of his debut in the Open in 1975, when he won the first of his five Claret Jugs at nearby Carnoustie. Joining them will be current world No 1 Rory McIlroy, while three-time

Iwata, others tee-off at New Zealand Open

op gun Japanese, Hiroshi Iwata, leads other stars out in Arrowtown for the New Zealand Open this week. It could perhaps be better described as slow and steady progression, but when you crunch the numbers, host Sir Michael Hill, chairman John Hart and tournament director Michael Glading are doing what they said they would. When the tournament was last hosted in Christchurch, at the Clearwater club in 2012, the purse was half what it is today and the highest ranked players were New Zealand’s Michael Hendry (350 in the world), Australian Nick Cullen (383) and Kiwi Mark Brown (444). There was no tournament in 2013 then Hill and co took the reins last year. They turned it into a pro-am event (a world-first for a national open) hosted by two world class courses in The Hills and Millbrook Resort, boasting a purse of $950,000, an alignment with the Japan Tour, and a field that was led by Australian Scott Hend at No 125 in the world and boasted a further eight players all ranked higher than Hendry was in 2012. The PGA Tour of Australasiasanctioned tournament has made another upwards step this year. The purse has edged up to $1 million, they have secured live television coverage for all four days, which will be beamed throughout New Zealand and Japan, and the field is much stronger in depth than it was 12 months ago.

Ex-Open champions set for charity match champions Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods will also play alongside the 1963 and 1969 champions, Bob Charles and Tony Jacklin, and more recent winners such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington. The occasion will also be used to pay tribute to Australia’s Kel Nagle, who won the Centenary Open in 1960 at St Andrews and who passed away in January at the age of 94.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

MANCHESTER CITY

ith Manchester City trailing league leaders Chelsea by three points and on the brink of Champions League exit and out of the FA Cup, the Premier League champions’ season is unravelling at an astonishing pace. Reports claim that Vincent Kompany was involved in a dressing-room row with team-mates and this will go little way to allay fans’ fears that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in freefall. Following their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month when captain Kompany was culpable for Jordan Henderson’s opening goal, a source close to the club has claimed that the Belgian almost came to blows with team-mate Fernandinho. Kompany, who has been at centre of City’s defence since he arrived at the club for £6 million from Hamburg in 2008, has endured a poor season and it appears that his frustrations may have surfaced in the changing rooms at Anfield when he reportedly verbally attacked Fernandinho after the Brazilian had questioned his form. Reports claim that during the altercation manager Pellegrini was forced to step between the pair demanding that Kompany calm down. Subsequently, Kompany was benched by Pellegrini for City’s following game – their 2-0 win at home to Leicester City – where he remained an unused substitute, while Fernandinho was dropped from the squad.

Kompany

Milner

considers Euro move James Milner is contemplating a move abroad in the summer with clubs from Spain and Italy interested in the midfielder, according to report. The Manchester City man has held initial talks with Italian giants Roma, AC Milan and Internazionale along with two unnamed Spanish clubs. The 29-year-old’s contract is coming to an end in the summer and speculation about his future is starting to heat up as Milner has a big decision to make during the close season regarding his future. With his age catching up on him, it could be his last chance to make a major move.

S ’ Y N A P M KO ROW THREATENS E L T I T CITY CHASE

Toure

City line up Guardiola’s swoop

Man City

Silva is my

best playing

Toure

partner –Lampard

risk losing

anchester City may need to keep Yaya Toure happy or risk losing him to Inter Milan in the summer, according to reports. Former City manager Roberto Mancini, now in charge of Inter, has insisted that the Ivory Coast international is interested in a switch. “It’s a question mark, we’ll have to see what financial fair play brings,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll do some good business. Yaya Toure? He’s played in almost every league, except for Germany and Italy. “If, as seems to be the case, he wants to try Serie A, we’ll look into the possibility, but it won’t be easy.” However, Mancini has revealed that his chase for Toure will be very difficult due to his huge wage demands, in addition to his high transfer fee. Inter will have to make sure that if they do make a move for the highlyrated central midfielder, they aren’t risking their club in regards to previous investigations from Financial Fair Play.

Lampard

rank Lampard has paid tribute to David Silva, saying he’s one of the best players he’s ever played alongside. Lampard, one of the best midfielders the Premier League has seen, is well placed to judge the Blues’ talisman playmaker. And having made more than 800 career appearances in all competitions and played with some of the game’s true greats, the former England man reckons Silva would sit comfortably alongside any of them. “I don’t think I need to offer David any advice,” said Lampard. “Watching him play from the outside, I’d always had a huge admiration for him as an all-round player.

anchester City are reported to be in pursuit of Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who they hope will take over the reins from Manuel Pellegrini at the end of next season. The Chilean won a Premier League and League Cup double in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, although with the Citizens five points adrift of league leaders Chelsea they are on the brink of exiting the Champions League at the last-16 stage. Man City also face a season of no silverware this time around. Guardiola is said to be seen as the ideal coach to replace Pellegrini, where he will link up with Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano again following their time together at Barcelona. It was learnt that City, who were rumoured to have previously been knocked back by the Bayern boss in the past, will make a fresh approach for the 44-year-old when his contract in Bavaria expires next year. Pellegrini is expected to hold key talks with club chiefs in the summer where his future will be decided, although it is unlikely that the champions will hold him down to a long-term deal.